Tuesday, February 2

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.

35 comments:

Wenny said...

Great post Uncle Shingo-T. It's so true. Don't bank on gambling as a definite avenue to get rich. It is just a game that should not be taken seriously as the disappointment can be detrimental, for either men or women.

I am a regular TOTO player in the hope of winning the jackpot. Minimum winning at RM2 million and max at RM30 million. Well, it's a possibility for everyone, you and me, we can never know. The focal point for discipline is to ensure moderation, rational and practicality.

I really enjoy this post. :)

Roxy. said...

Welcome back. (:
I recently went to the one in Singapore but not for the casino. I know the jackpot machines are triggered, so never bother either, even the ones playing on the table is being oversee. The dealer themselves know which cards they are giving out because of the maths formula being calculated. I guess you shd be able to calculate some formulas out . *first class honor* :p

Unknown said...

Just for fun, when I come near a jackpot machine,I play a little. Is that the Chinese trait in me?? Chinese new year is round the corner and a little gambling at cards is always welcome!! Serious about gambling? - no way!!

wenn said...

i hardly gamble. only once in a blue moon.

foongpc said...

Genting's casino is heavily feng shui-ed so most gamblers will not even stand a chance.

Erny said...

Sounds like my dad....He loves heading to Genting!

Manju said...

i've been to Genting when i visited malaysia, but for me the highlight of it was the amusement park lolllzzz

TG said...

Oh, that brings back some memories to me, Shingo! Just before I left Malaysia around a year ago (Feb 2009), we went to Genting with my ex, her boss and colleagues. It was really an amazing experience, because I was in a casino for the 1st time. I'm not a gambler and told myself not to gamble, haha. But I did a lil. I think you didn't follow me by then, but I wrote a post about that here. I only played banker/player and it was a real thrill. I started with 50rm and went as high as 400rm, then I fell down to 300rm and stopped. So for now, my gambling career stans at 250rm profit :P If I have a chance to go to a casino, I might go again, even if only to watch. I saw one Chinese uncle winning 20.000rm in 15min! But he played with big chips, I would not dare to put a 1000rm chip on the table. Have you? :P Ah, sorry, I'm rambling.. But Genting is definitely one of a kind, hehe.

இ Baŋäŋaz இ said...

The thought of gambling is just not with me so hardly contributed a single sen in the casino. TQ

khengsiong said...

The problem with gambling addicts is that they expect to win. Most end up losing money.

I go to casino expecting to lose, and I set a limit on how much I would play. I see this money as casino entrance fee.

werwer said...

I think I'm stingy ... haha ...gambling nv appeals to me!

HappySurfer said...

There's a common joke here. Those who have gambled in Gentings have contributed to (building) the roads.

I just love the place, the excitement of the casino and generally for hanging out - shopping, enjoying a cuppa coffee and a snack, etc. Not too high on the amusement park though.

I'm glad it's just an hour or so from KL.

Hope you win lots at your next trip, Shingo.

LilyChen said...

We don't have a legal casino here, but I guess there should be many illegal ones.

Last year our government planned to establish a big casino on an off-shore island "Penghu", and held the referendum for residents to decide to have a casino on their island or not. The poll showed the residents rather lose their job opportunities than have a casino there. Residents must think most of the people may not control themselves to be addicted to gambles, and they also didn't want their later generations involved in gambling business.

So we don't have a legal one here. And I didn't go to any casino before. If I go there one day, I may only play fruit machine, because I just know how to play that. :-P

LilyChen said...
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LilyChen said...
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Qwertyman said...

I agree that it is totally up to the individual and their way of managing things. Cars, lifting, even gardening can be dangerous if not managed correctly and gambling, whether at online casinos or land based casinos can only be controll ed by the person playing. I often have a little flutter on the horses, not much, but enough to win something nice and not enough to do my bank any damage. You should only ever gamble what you can afford to lose.

Willie a.k.a Reptoz said...

'oh... i miss this resort. one of the best in Malaysia.

[SK] said...

just like smoking, i don't and will never do that.. might as well spend my money on something more meaningful right??

Cherish Tulips said...

haha..everytime i go to the casino,i always hope to hit the jackpot but so far,no luck..more money has gone out rather than winning anything!

CheaHSan said...

There is this unofficial tagline by the "old hands" which goes like this ~ "They (casinos) are not afraid when you win but worry when you stop gambling".

wenn said...

btw, I hv an award for you.

TZ said...

it has been long time i din go to Genting Highland... so wanna to go Casino :)

Netster23 said...

Great post. I like when you said it a dual edge sword :) I like that idea in biz :)

every time I go to Genting, I will not likely to visit the Casino. I just don't gamble. I thought it a waste my my time and I don't like the feeling of guilty should I loss my money.

Happy Weekend

Cheers XOXO

Manju said...

just dropping by to say hallooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :)
i hope uncle shingo is well ^_^

Stefanie said...

It's been awhile since I last visited Genting Highlands although from my house to there is only 45mins with the speed of 120km/h by Storm. Sometimes, my friends and I will go there at night just because of the cool air, and come back to KL after 1 or 2 hours. :D

Uncle Lim is a brilliant person. Me also Lim, maybe same ancestor, we got at least 0.01 percentage relationship leh. :D No la, in real life, he's my aunt's uncle. So, really got a bit related. :p

iamthewitch said...

Nicely written.. I agree with you, gambling addiction is really dangerous and will do no good to people. It creates unnecessary stress just to say the least!

Anonymous said...

I believe if you're not into gambling, you aren't Chinese! :)

Gambling breeds an attitude of greed...no matter what the justification may be.

Mabel Low said...

Gambling can be really fun sometimes, provided if you only play for fun. Otherwise, people get all tensed up just to want to win the cash. I think if a person wins the toto, he'll get back the original amount of money he used to buy the tickets earlier:s Such things are really a no-no.

msihua said...

Funnily enough, I've never entered the casino in Gentings... I always get distracted walking past the arcades and theme park, I suppose =)

Manju said...

happy chinese new year uncle shingo :)
and happy valentine's day hehe, did you have something special planned with wifey? ^_^

Anonymous said...

Oddly enough, I have never gambled in an established casino before.

HappySurfer said...

Happy New Year, Shingo! May the new year bring you and your family happiness, health and prosperity.

Gong Xi Fa Ta Cai!!

Anonymous said...

I didn't understand the concluding part of your article, could you please explain it more?

Superman said...

A little gamble is good sometimes to have fun.

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