Gambling
Marilyn, a 28-year-old secretary living at Port of Spain (T&T), goes to the Island Club Casino at Grand Bazaar almost every weekend.
But she only gambles on the slot machines.
“I just love pulling that lever and watching the images spin. It’s really exciting when you win a lot of coins and the machine rings and lights up,” said Marilyn.
Marilyn and her friends have a $50 limit when they are playing on the machines.
“Even if I lose, I will not take out another dollar from my purse because I know I can’t afford to lose more than that. But whoever wins the most has to buy dinner for the group. That way nobody ends up feeling bad in the end,” she said.
But the enticement of the casino life goes beyond playing on the slot machines.
“I love the environment. They usually have live entertainment and you get drinks on the house when you’re gambling. It’s just a fun place to be,” she said.
Other forms of gambling.
John Mackay, the leader of T&T’s anti-gambling community, said he fully supports Government’s intention to phase out the casino industry and online gambling.
But he does not think this will deter people from gambling altogether.
“They will gamble anyway if they have a problem. They will simply gravitate to something else, such as horse racing or card playing.
“It is not about the money. It is about the thrill of winning and the desperation of trying to get back what they have lost,” said Mackay.
He also drew a link between gambling and other forms of addiction.
“Chances are they may turn to another form of addiction. They are addicts by nature and some of them could trade one addiction for the next,” he said.
In his view, “They should put stringent measures in place to control all forms of gambling”.
The other side of the coin.
Annette Richards, one of the managers at Ma Pau Members’ Club in Woodbrook noted that casinos provide a rich source of entertainment for both locals and tourists.
“It’s a nice atmosphere to relax and enjoy yourself. Many people enjoy the simple thrill of pumping coins in the Las Vegas style slot machines and hearing it ring when they win,” said Richards.
“In a regular night club or bar, you may find people cursing and conducting themselves in a disorderly manner. But we don’t encourage or tolerate lewd behaviour.
“We provide a safe environment with strict security, bright lights and surveillance cameras,” said Richards.
Although gambling has been attributed to domestic problems and divorce, Richards indicated that the club is frequented by married couples.
“We see them at the bar sharing an intimate conversation over some drinks and food, while they enjoy some live entertainment.
“People just love the ambience,” she added.
This young lady tries her hand at the slot machines at the Mas Camp Pub.The recreational gambler
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