Society braces for the hidden cost

What price casino revenue in a staid, squeaky-clean Asian society?

While Singapore's casinos will deliver huge economic benefits, proponents cannot deny there will be a heavy social cost.

Detractors trot out a litany of objections, saying casinos will lead to crime, erode family values and tear apart the social fabric.

Some may well be playing the devil's advocate but these are valid concerns. Indeed, the social costs of gambling are already evident.

A government survey shows 58 per cent of Singaporeans aged 18 and above gambled last year. Two in 100 will become addicted.

One such addict, Simon Lee, was found dead at the foot of his block of flats in February. His wife and two children were found dead in their flat.