How many casinos are there in Sin City?

Wrong, none of you would have guessed it. And I am discounting all the back lane and illegal gambling dens. Two is absolutely wrong. I heard this at a drinking hole and of course it is beer talk after some heavy drinking. But not to worry, all were drunk but not drunk to the extent of becoming incoherent. They were marbok but their mental faculties were still clear.

One shouted, three, the stock market is the third casino. Everyone is punting with no regards to the fundamentals of the stocks. And it is not only the aunties and uncles, but the remisiers, the house dealers and the big funds, all engaging in pure gambling, a game of chance. Roll the ball and see where it lands, something like the roulette.

Not three but four, said another. How so, and he explained. Go to HDB and ballot for a new flat. $20 or was it $10 for a bet. If lady luck smiles, you get your flat and you are richer by a couple of hundred bucks at least in five years time. Many new citizens are doing it and hitting it rich.

Five, said another. Getting a COE is also like gambling. Sometimes you pay more, sometimes you pay even more. And sometimes, pay very little. Just hope for the best.

Six, I say six. This guy seemed to have just awakened from his drowsiness. Going to see a doctor is like playing monopoly. You pay and pay along the way. Sometimes pay more, sometimes pay even more. Sometimes pay when really no need to pay. Sometimes you pay to check if you are sick when you are not sick and you feel better after losing your money.

Then this motherly auntie raised her hand, seven, she said. The seventh casino is getting a place for your child in a top school. The chances are so small and sometimes people played dirty, or tilt the table in their favour.

It just seems like everything is gambling in this City. Ahem, one more, the General Election. After voting for your favourite party, you are not sure if you have placed the winning bet or the losing bet. You thought you have won when your favourite party won without knowing that you may lose your pants, or your money in your CPF.

Looks like every Sinkie is a gambler of no choice, from the children to the grandmother. And there is no need for exclusion orders. There is no escape. Wait till Medishield Life comes about. All losers.