Phase out gambling

Our citizens are addicted to gambling (pokies, horse racing and lottery) since it was introduced to Papua New Guinea.
It’s homogeneous to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has lost K7.5 million during the 14 day lock-down from March 23 to April 18 and would continue lose K60 million or more from April to June during the state of emergency lockdown.
This is according to the NGCB chief executive Imelda Agon in The National last Monday.
I want to bring this gambling pandemic to the CEO of this country – should he be able to impose or totally ban all types of gambling in PNG?
Gamblers are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, develop stress-related disorders, become anxious, have poor sleep and appetite, develop substance abuse problems and suffer from depression.
Gambling leads to bankruptcy, crime, domestic abuse and even suicide.
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a single bankruptcy could potentially impact 17 people.
Gambling affects families.
If the state of emergency period continues, I guess gamblers will save K60mil and thus there will be no problems with family violence and etc.
The prime minister should do away with pokies, horse betting etc so citizens can manage their money.
The government can do more awareness on Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and for the people to cultivate their land.

Paul Sapunaik,
POM