Eshin Direct

As those of you know, I love the New Paper as it seems to be the only paper that isn’t in puppet mode and its headlines are somewhat entertaining. Of course, what amuses me is that Singapore goes through the efforts of building not one but two casinos, and then spends an equal amount of time, money, and energy in making sure that everyone knows an activity it is encouraging (the income generated is to benefit of its citizens naturally), is actually quite evil. The Electric New Paper kindly informs us that Singapore Problem Gambling Conference 2009 is kicking off today with a helpful article on gambling. And bless the New Paper, as they’ve kindly provided us with a foolproof list of tips to identify the innocent victims with all this readily available monetized risk.

SOME SIGNS OF A PROBLEM YOUTH GAMBLER:

Odd hours

If your child returns home very late or sleeps at odd hours.
If he’s always locked in his room and you hear computer sounds, he could be tracking soccer results online.

Needs and splurges

Sudden need for large sums of money or a sudden splurge on expensive items or treats.

Falling grades , secret calls

What kind of friends call him? Does he talk openly or in secret? Is he avoiding calls because of his creditors?

Emotions and behaviour

Signs of depression, loss of interest, isolation, changes in mood or behaviour. Or even a loss of valuables or cash from the home.

I’m far from an expert on gambling but this curiously sounds like the profile of an average household teenager. To be fair, it is a fairly fail safe method to identify a gambler hidden amongst you. No, I’m serious. For the uneducated minds amongst you, these are the habits of gamblers and there are subtle distinctions from other forms of addictive behaviour.

SOME SIGNS OF A PROBLEM YOUTH GAMBLER:

Odd hours

If your child returns home very late or sleeps at odd hours. (A druggie probably wouldn’t return home.)
If he’s always locked in his room and you hear computer sounds, he could be tracking soccer results online. (A World of Warcraft addict, addicted to another potential evil, would probably be muttering sweet nothings to his in-game bride).

Needs and splurges

Sudden need for large sums of money or a sudden splurge on expensive items or treats. (Druggies will not splurge on expensive items. Bonuses come but in only two times of year folks!)

Falling grades , secret calls

What kind of friends call him? Does he talk openly or in secret? Is he avoiding calls because of his creditors? (Talking in secret is bad. Do note that the druggie will probably be quite happy to talk to his other druggie friends on the phone in code to score his fix.)

Emotions and behaviour

Signs of depression, loss of interest, isolation, changes in mood or behaviour. Or even a loss of valuables or cash from the home. (Yes, emotions are also bad. Best keep an eye out for them. We all know that a drug addict can’t be depressed – it’s sort of the permanent high they are on being druggies.)

Of course, you can always rely on a gambling addict to come clean on it. Everyone knows you can’t trust a druggie.

Tags: Surfer Rants