Don’t bet on any reduction in gambling

The Sunday Star Says

AFTER much apparent reflection, the Government has decided against issuing or reissuing a sports betting licence to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd.

Upon wrestling with the decision in front of a spirited and divided national audience, the critics won.

Official approval for the licence had reportedly been granted some time ago.

How ever, the ultimate prerogative rests with the Government on whether to proceed with awarding it to Ascot, since the company had the first right of refusal.

On the surface, the debate seemed to be between moralists and pragmatists.

While moralists argued that the influence of legalised sports betting would be detrimental to society, pragmatists said it would curtail illegal betting while providing state revenues through tax.

There is the fallacious argument that legalising sports betting would also mean permitting the use of narcotics.

Gambling is not illegal, like smoking and alcohol consumption, so within legal limits and under proper controls there is no basis for controversy.

What are already illegal, like narcotics and various criminal activities, would remain illegal.

The irony of the critics’ stand is that while purporting to champion wholesome values, they are in effect encouraging illegal bookies and their “black money” schemes to flourish.

The fact is that some people do gamble and many Malaysians are no different.

Legalising sports betting may not increase gambling across the population, and keeping it illegal will only make it harder to monitor without eliminating it.

There have also been snide remarks questioning the sincerity of policymakers who defend non-Muslims’ right to gamble.

These rights have always existed, so instead of sarcasm, the critics of sports betting should ask themselves why they agree to compromise on them.

In essence, the issue has been politicised but the Government will need to understand that “giving in” this time need not mean having to capitulate on other issues later on.

Responding to public clamour, particularly when the response is mixed, is always a double-edged sword.

It is important to be sensitive yet resolute, demonstrating firmness in conviction rather than uncertainty or rudderless indecision.