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Macau has long been known as Asia's Las Vegas, but the Chinese territory could soon face competition from other parts of the region.

Singapore has dropped its 40 year ban and is gearing up for the opening of two casino resorts in 2009.

Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan are also exploring the possibility of cashing in on the gaming industry.

But while these governments are hoping for a boom to their economies, what preventive measures are in place to avoid the possible increase of gambling addiction and the spread of organised crime?

Joining us on the show are Dr Jayaram Muthuswamy, an associate professor in economics and finance at Singapore University's School of Business, Dr P Sundramoorthy, a criminologist at the School of Social Sciences at the University of Science in Malaysia, and joining us via satellite is Robert Mittiga, a programme director for Gambling Addiction Treatment Services (GATS).

This episode of 101 East aired from Thursday, January 10, 2008.