Casino visit limit regime for problem gamblers to start mid-2013
By S. Ramesh | Posted: 15 November 2012
SINGAPORE: Parliament debated the
Casino Control (Amendment) Bill on Thursday.
Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the Bill aims to strengthen the legislative framework for the regulation of casinos in Singapore.
Mr Iswaran said that fundamentally, the approach to regulating casinos remains unchanged.
He added agencies have gained practical experience from regulating the casinos over the past two years.
And it is imperative to continually monitor developments, anticipate trends and challenges and ensure that the regulatory regime stays effective and relevant.
Mr Iswaran said: "The Bill has five main objectives. First, it enhances the provisions for effective gaming regulation, and streamlines regulatory processes.
"Second, it strengthens law enforcement levers to deal with casino-related crime. Third, it broadens our framework of social safeguards.
"Fourth, it refines the regulatory framework to give effect to the economic policy intent of introducing the IRs in Singapore. Finally, it improves tax administration, for consistency with other Tax Acts."
The two integrated resorts (IRs) in Singapore have generated significant economic benefits for the country, said Mr Iswaran.
Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the Bill aims to strengthen the legislative framework for the regulation of casinos in Singapore.
Mr Iswaran said that fundamentally, the approach to regulating casinos remains unchanged.
He added agencies have gained practical experience from regulating the casinos over the past two years.
And it is imperative to continually monitor developments, anticipate trends and challenges and ensure that the regulatory regime stays effective and relevant.
Mr Iswaran said: "The Bill has five main objectives. First, it enhances the provisions for effective gaming regulation, and streamlines regulatory processes.
"Second, it strengthens law enforcement levers to deal with casino-related crime. Third, it broadens our framework of social safeguards.
"Fourth, it refines the regulatory framework to give effect to the economic policy intent of introducing the IRs in Singapore. Finally, it improves tax administration, for consistency with other Tax Acts."
The two integrated resorts (IRs) in Singapore have generated significant economic benefits for the country, said Mr Iswaran.
[It is doubtful that economic benefits have created a sustainable economy that benefits its citizens beyond Gambling. The prevalence of prositution seems to indicate otherwise.]
But he added that there is the on-going challenge of ensuring that Singapore's social safeguards protect the vulnerable from the casinos.
Hence, among the proposed changes to the Casino Control Act is the introduction of the visit limit.
There are now exclusion orders for problem gamblers.
Soon, there will be visit limits on financially vulnerable locals who visit casinos frequently.
The visit limit will set a cap on the number of times an individual may visit the casino each month.
It may differ from person to person, depending on each individual's circumstances.
Individuals will also have the right to be heard and the right of appeal.
Some 4,000 to 6,000 locals could come under this regime, which is due to kick in by the middle of next year.
There will be three forms of visit limits: firstly, individuals can apply to the National Council on Problem Gambling for voluntary self-imposed visit limits; secondly, family members can apply for family visit limits; thirdly, the NCPG will be empowered to appoint a Committee of Assessors to determine whether a third-party visit limit should be imposed on a financially vulnerable person.
Mr Iswaran said the government acknowledges the impact of problem gambling on Singaporeans and will act on it.
He said: "Though the casino is a small component of the entire IR development, we recognise the impact it can have on law and order and problem gambling.
"Hence, from the outset, we have sought to establish a stringent casino regulatory regime, with strong enforcement measures, and strict social safeguards to address the potential adverse effects.
"The government is determined to keep Singapore safe and secure, and to ensure that our society's strong work ethics and values are not compromised."
On the employment side, the IRs directly hire more than 22,000 employees and have spun off more than 40,000 jobs throughout the economy.
The IRs have broadened the range of job and career opportunities for Singaporeans, with the bulk of the jobs in the IRs in areas such as theme park operation, retail and food and beverage.
Mr Iswaran also said the two IRs have committed a total development investment of over S$13 billion.
He added that while Singapore's tourism industry has grown, the tourism landscape in the region is also becoming increasingly competitive.
So the Trade and Industry Ministry will appoint an evaluation panel to assess the ability of the IR operators to fulfil their economic obligations.
And this will be considered on the basis of a broad range of indicators such as visitor appeal and benchmarks with respect to similar international attractions.
- CNA/lp
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