Font size: 
According to those who responded to the survey, conducted by two non-governmental organizations in Macau, there are clear benefits from the expanded gambling market. These include an increase in income for many residents, greater employment opportunities, higher tourist spending and an increase in the number of sightseeing spots. Besides, respondents said, Macau's night scene is more beautiful, its infrastructure is improving, standards of social welfare have gone up, residents' sense of pride has risen, and even government efficiency has improved. In addition, the new casinos have improved Macau's international image.
However, the young people also noted a rise in social problems, including an increase in housing prices as workers arrive from outside Macau. Although the number of jobs available to young people has increased, the range of job choices has narrowed. Small and medium-sized companies have collapsed one after another, and everything that survives seems to be centered on the gambling industry. More seriously, many respondents expressed the fear that public security is declining with the arrival of more compulsive gamblers, more crimes committed by young people, and more prostitutes plying their trade among the casinos' clientele.
What's more, the environment is deteriorating, said the local people. The advent of the new casinos has brought more noise, more disturbances to residents, more traffic congestion, and the air quality has dropped.
Some of the problems are inevitable, reflecting the territory's urbanization and its economic and social transition, as well as the special characteristics of the gambling industry. However, problems like deteriorating public security and increases in crime and prostitution are social problems directly related to gambling. Compulsive gambling has led to problems including theft, loss of family property, and family breakups.
The government earns a huge percent of its revenues from the gambling industry. It seems reasonable to expect that the government would use some of this income to counter the negative social effects of the industry, in addition to strengthening social welfare. The government has invested funds into the local community in the form of free public sports and leisure facilities, but it has done little to deal with the personal and family problems that arise among those who gamble, especially compulsive gamblers.
One approach would be for the Macau government to encourage local and overseas non-profit organizations to provide counseling and other services to those affected adversely by gambling. There are surprisingly few services available to such individuals and families.
The government could support this effort by providing work permits and residence status, as well as financial support, to professional counselors and organizations willing to come to Macau to offer their services. Also, those with a concern for maintaining the environment and local culture should be supported by local legislation and funds. This would be a wise policy and useful investment for the long-term social health of the territory. Without this, economic prosperity may lead to the deterioration of Macau's local community, not to mention its unique cultural identity and heritage.
--
(Dr. Chang Chuan-fong is Asia director of the International Educational Foundation and former associate professor in the Department of Education at Minghsin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. ©Copyright Chang Chuan-fong.)
