Genting and Casinos

I recently came back from Genting Highlands. The hilltop resort was built many many years by Malaysia's famous Uncle Lim (who has since passed away). The main draw is the casino, and the amusement parks to a lesser extent. Well, who would have imagined that a country populated with Malays will have a casino?

The resort was built at the top of treacherous mountains many years ago, when technology was only so-so. Uncle Lim was said to be close to falling to death on a few occassions when he was overseeing the construction.

Despite Singapore having their dual casinos opening in a few months time, I will still go to Genting casino for two reasons - the cool weather, and because I'm Malaysian. Genting always have a special place in my heart.

Casinos are a dual edge sword - it creates lots of employment, generates revenue and tourist dollars, and possibly reduce the need for illegal gambling dens. But on the other hand, casinos are pretty much responsible for more bankrupts, broken families and other social problems.

If a man dies from smoking, do we blame the cigarette? In my view, I blame the man himself for underestimating the power of the addiction. Similarly for gambling, casinos only provide an alternate but legalised venue to gamble. No one can force you to gambling. It's a man's weak and greedy nature that lures his soul to the place.

You do not need to be a Mathematician to know that the odds in gamblings are stacked against you, from the card games to the jackpot machines. I go to the casino for nothing more than this teeny weeny hope that I might just strike something big at the jackpot. But I know as well as anyone that gambling CANNOT make me rich. That's why I play for fun (2 Malaysia cents per line), and to test a little few theories here and there.

Frankly, gambling is a waste of time, as with playing video games. It's just one of those brainless leisures that I crave especially after an extended peak of work.

Genting is mostly frequented by the Chinese, because the Muslims are banned by religion from gambling. I always see gambling as a very Chinese trait, because we tend to be more money-minded and practical (my opinion). We buy 4Ds and Totos (lottery) in the hope of striking a chance to go the shortcut in life. We get emotional in casinos when money is at stake. Naturally so, though not neccessarily needed.

But at the end of a casino trip, winners and losers are made. More precisely, there are more losers than winners. And winners may find themselves returning back Uncle Lim their previous winnings on their next trip back to the casino.

The Gambler's ruin theory states that as long as the money you have is limited, you will eventually go broke at the gambling table as long as you don't stop playing, it's only a matter of time.

To those who have never picked up gambling, refrain from it.

And for those who do gamble, have fun but play with minimal expectations. And NEVER take your losses out on anyone, because a REAL man take responsibilities for his own actions.