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Gambling is the opium of the 21st centurt
By: Cai Shangyay - Shanghai Star. 2005-02-17

In the early 19th century some Western powers such as Britain aggressively exported opium to China. The effects on Chinese society were devastating. The nation was subsequently defeated by the Western powers in the Opium War of 1840-42, thereby beginning a century of national humiliation.

More than one-and-a-half centuries have lapsed, and opium no longer poses a serious threat to our national existence. However, gambling as another form of addiction is becoming an increasingly serious threat to our country.

Gambling is now a widespread issue across China, an affliction with great social damage to the Chinese people. In China, gamblers include all sorts of people from various professional backgrounds. Due to the social influences that condone gambling, growing numbers of young people are indulging in gambling, illegally playing poker machines or gambling online.

It is reported in the news media that China is surrounded by countries where gambling is allowed along or not far from its borders, such as Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia. Some Chinese have even gone as far as Australia, Europe or the United States for gambling.

Many people are not quite aware of the danger of acquiring the gambling habit. Some people say that gambling is a personal choice, a recreational interest that is an enjoyable pastime. Yes, when treated properly, gambling is a recreational activity that does not pose a problem. However, gambling can be addictive, and has very similar effect on the individual to opium. This can lead to irresponsible gambling where gamblers may end up not being able to control themselves. As opium-smoking has a potent and deleterious effect on the mind, body and behaviour of an addict, gambling can corrupt and ruin souls and lives.

Gambling is often associated with crime or misfortune. In recent years a number of senior officials have been implicated in gambling-related corruption scandals. The participation of public officials in gambling activities has not only been detrimental to the national interest and public welfare, but has also had an adverse impact on social morals. As for ordinary people who are addicted to gambling, this urge can make them do things they wouldn't usually do like go without food, lie, steal, or miss work or school. If more people are lured into gambling, it could mean more people with financial problems, bankruptcies, crime and even suicide caused by the addiction.

The gambling casinos outside China act like huge pumps actively drawing money from the pockets of Chinese people, posing a potential threat to the national economy and social stability.

To counteract the negative effects of gambling, more efforts should be made to raise public awareness of the dangers of pathological gambling. Teachers should be encouraged to learn about the dangers of gambling so they can teach students to recognize the hazard.

We must severely crack down on gambling, especially gambling with public funds. Instead of feeding the "get rich quick?philosophy which undermines peoples?belief in hard work and thrift, we should develop a social atmosphere which inspires and encourages in people a sense of responsibility and a positive, healthy attitude towards wealth to get rich honestly and righteously.