Groups opposed to gambling argued yesterday that those who support constructing casinos on Taiwan's offshore islands have overstated the benefits and overlooked the drawbacks of legalized wagering.
Various individuals and organizations -- public interest and social welfare groups, religious groups and political parties -- organized a media event yesterday to voice their opposition to the legalization of casinos on the offshore island group of Penghu.
"Personally, I am not against the idea of legalizing gambling," said Eugene Jao (趙永清), an independent legislator. "However, in terms of time and maturity, I just don't think Taiwan is ready for it yet."
One key objection was that any possible economic gain from legalizing gambling would be far outweighed by a surge in the local crime rate and a proliferation of obscenity, violence and other social problems.
Chien Hsi-chieh (
"I believe the negative aspects of [legalizing gambling] will surpass the economic gains it could bring," Chien said.
Yeh Chih-kwae (
According to research, Yeh said, "statistics indicate that crime rates invariably increase in areas where casinos are located."
Quoting an article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal published in 1998, Nevada ranked No. 1 nationally in terms of its suicide rate, divorce rate, education drop-out rate and the number of gambling-related problems.
It also ranked high in other related crimes.
"Behind Las Vegas' sugar-coated glamor," Yeh said, "we must understand that the American people have paid a high price for the legalization of gambling."
Yeh also questioned the idea of collaboration with foreign firms, such as Las Vegas-based operations, to develop a casino vacation resort on Penghu.
"How will the casino business benefit the economy of Taiwan and its offshore islands?" Yeh asked. "Most of the generated revenue will go to these foreign investors."
A joint statement emphasized that they "support the development and establishment of tourist sites on these off-shore islands, but casinos are definitely out of the question."
"We want people to visit Penghu with a sense of appreciation," said Lin Zhang-shing (林長興), a representative from the Coalition of Penghu County Ecology, "not with a sense of greed."
The Penghu Islands, also known as the Pescadores, are located in the Taiwan Strait about 133km northwest of Kaohsiung City.
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