Casinos: Economic imperatives amidst moral/social concerns

THE topic of casinos — a form of gambling — has always been a divisive issue within the Sri Lankan society. Ina country where lottery tickets are sold in every street corner, casinos remain amoral taboo. The media as well as the clergy relate casinos with vices like prostitution and drug trading. Buddhism, the main religion of the island state, views gambling negatively and recognises it as a habit which leads individuals into ruin. The Islamic faith, which too has a considerable following in the country, strictly prohibits gambling.

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The resentment towards casinos is mainly driven by the middle-class Sinhalese Buddhist families who fear the prospects of their offspring patronising casinos once they become elders, which could ultimately lead their lives into devastation. In contrast, horse race betting centres that primarily attract the underprivileged and less-affluent individuals, function sans any visible public outcry

Having recognised the apprehensions of the middle class towards casinos, politicians have exercised a sense of caution in promoting the gaming industry. Whenever attempts have been made in the past to establish gaming houses with the involvement of foreign investors, politicians in the opposition have made use of the opportunity to appeal to the middle class who are averse to sparkling and flashy gaming facilities.