Casino regulations changes

Singapore may soon introduce a "visit limit" to protect financially vulnerable local patrons who visit the casinos frequently. 

This is one of several amendments the government is proposing to the Casino Control Act. 

The government adds that it does not intend to make changes to the entry level for now. 

Singapore's 2 integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa were opened in 2010. 

While the tourism sector's growth has been strong, the government says there's been no major adverse impact to law and order. 

Nonetheless, after two years, a review of the regulatory regime's timely says Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, S Iswaran. 

"We have gained considerable experience in both on the government side because the agencies have been able to better understand the operating environment and some of the considerations going forward. At the same time from the IRs perspective, they have also had a better sense of the working environment in Singapore." 

So the proposed amendments aim to enhance the law enforcement levers and streamline operational processes so that they keep pace with international best practices and strengthen social safeguards. 

On the cards - a "visit limit" as an extension of the existing casino exclusion measures - to be used as a targeted measures against financially vulnerable locals who are visiting the casinos frequently. 

There is also going to be an Evaluation Panel which is going to be appointed by the Minister for Trade and Industry. 

This Evaluation Panel will give its opinion on the performance of the two IRs to the Casino Regulatory Authority. 

Such opinion will come in handy when processing the casino licensing renewal applications which are up for review next year. 

Minister Iswaran explains, 

"From the government point of view we want to ensure there is a disciplined systematic process for periodic assessment so that both the IRs and the government agencies have a way to engage in a dialogue to ensure that the aspects of the IR that are important to us beyond the casinos are well maintained and kept in tandem with international standards and expectations,

The public can send their feedback on the proposed amendments to the Casino Control Act by the 6th of August and the amendment bill is targeted to be tabled in Parliament at the end of the year. 

-By S Ramesh