Day: May 11, 2025

Gambling is an activity where you risk something of value in the hopes of winning a prize, usually money. You can gamble on a variety of games – from scratch cards to casino games and sports betting. Many people enjoy gambling as a social event where they can interact with friends and strangers in a friendly setting. Gambling is also a form of entertainment and can provide a relaxing break from the daily grind of work and family. However, some individuals struggle with compulsive gambling and suffer the consequences of their addiction. In addition, they may cause stress for their families and friends.

Gambling can take place in a variety of settings, including casinos, racetracks, and private parties. The majority of gamblers play for fun, and most do so responsibly. However, a small percentage of gamblers experience problems with their gambling. These problems include escalating debts and loss of income and savings. Problem gambling has been linked to domestic violence and unemployment. Some people also experience health issues as a result of their gambling habits, including substance use disorder and depression.

Despite its darker side, gambling is considered to be good for society as it contributes to the economic stability of countries worldwide. It provides a significant amount of tax revenue and employment opportunities. It is also a great source of entertainment for people all over the world. In addition, it is a popular pastime for senior citizens, who often enjoy the camaraderie of playing casino games with other seniors in long-term care facilities.

In general, gambling can improve a person’s happiness levels. This is because the activities involve a lot of concentration and mentally challenging tasks. Additionally, you can learn new skills while playing a casino game, such as learning the rules of blackjack or poker and applying complex strategies in order to win. This helps to improve brain function and creates new neural pathways in the brain.

While some opponents of gambling argue that the economic benefits of gambling outweigh its negative impacts, others contend that social costs must be taken into account when evaluating gambling’s effects. For example, the financial problems of pathological gamblers can lead to bankruptcy and lost jobs, causing strain on relatives and employers. In addition, it can lead to relationship issues and a loss of self-esteem.

Supporters of gambling argue that allowing gambling in their communities will increase tourism, bringing in more money and jobs. They also say that gambling is a legal activity that can benefit the economy and reduce crime in areas where it is permitted. In addition, they claim that the societal costs of gambling are overstated by those who oppose it. Miles’ law predicts that those who have a direct stake in the outcome will support or oppose gambling, depending on their immediate self-interest. For instance, elected officials in cities where gambling attracts suburbanites often support it as a way to boost their city’s economy. Likewise, bureaucrats in agencies that are promised gambling revenues tend to support it.

In 2024, a record number of people in Singapore and across the world have come together to commit to giving back. This year’s President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA) 2024 honoured 13 remarkable individuals and organisations that are creating positive social impact. Held at Raffles Hotel Singapore, PVPA 2024 showcased a diverse range of changemakers that are working tirelessly to improve the lives of others.

NUS Singapore Prize 2027, launched on 6 November, will honour an exceptional work that deepens the understanding of Singapore’s history, as well as fosters a greater sense of national identity. A distinguished Jury Panel chaired by Kishore Mahbubani, former diplomat and Distinguished Fellow at NUS Asia Research Institute, will judge the Prize and announce a winner in 2027.

To ensure that the Prize is open to all forms of knowledge, this year the competition will be split into two categories: the Books Category and the new Arts and Multimedia Category. The Books Category will continue to reward works of outstanding quality and significance, and the new Arts and Multimedia category will award multimedia and artistic historical works. Works may be delivered in any language, with no limitation on the date of production, to broaden the scope for submissions.

A prestigious international jury will select a shortlist of publications, which the Jury Panel will then consider for the final award. The winning publication will be published by NUS Press. This is the third time that NUS Press has sponsored the Singapore Prize.

This year, the Prize’s judging panel will feature experts from various fields. The judges are committed to supporting high-quality scholarship that contributes to the development of Singapore and the region. In addition, they will also seek to identify works that engage with important societal issues.

The winners of the NUS Singapore Prize will be recognised at a special event on 5 June, and their work will be featured in an exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore. The Prize will be supported by a comprehensive outreach program that provides grants to enable the public to access and read the nominated publications.

In line with the theme of this year’s NUS Singapore Prize, ‘Our Common Future in a Fragile and Fractured Planet’, the event will feature a series of talks by the finalists from this year’s NUS-Tsinghu Earthshot Programme (TEP). TEP is a multidisciplinary initiative by NUS and Tsinghua University to spotlight environmental solutions for humanity’s most pressing challenges. It brings together the worlds of science, policy and business to deliver impact at scale. The Prize will also support TEP’s ongoing efforts to develop the next generation of environmental leaders in Singapore and beyond. This will include the launch of a public education campaign, and a new scholarship for undergraduate students from low-income families. In the coming years, the Prize will continue to serve as an anchor for a vibrant ecosystem that is transforming how people and businesses think about the environment. It will support a global movement to shift the balance from consumption to conservation.