CASINO CONTROL BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION (Singapore)

(source: October 14, 2005)

CASINO CONTROL BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION

On 18 Apr 05, the Government announced its decision to proceed with two Integrated Resorts (IR) with casino gaming in Singapore. Casinos need to be regulated to keep out crime and to ensure that the environment in the IRs remains safe for everyone. Regulatory control is also critical to preserve public confidence and support for the continued growth and success of the IR. Other countries which have IRs also have laws governing casino gaming.

2 The Ministry of Home Affairs has drafted the Casino Control Bill with inputs from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Trade and Industry. The objectives of the Casino Control Bill are to ensure that: –

a) the casinos remain free from criminal influence or exploitation;

b) gaming in the casinos is conducted in accordance with the laws; and

c) the potential of casinos to cause harm to minors, vulnerable persons and society at large is minimised.

3 The Bill also provides for the establishment of the Casino Regulatory Authority and gives functions and powers to the Authority and the National Council for Problem Gambling.

4 The draft Casino Control Bill will be released for public consultation via the Feedback Unit Government Consultation Portal (www.feedback.gov.sg) from Monday, 17 October 2005. Interested parties can forward their views and comments via the portal. We request that all comments be made by 11 November 2005. Following the feedback, we will publish a summary of comments together with our response by 31 December 2005.

Ministry of Home Affairs

14 October 2005

Date Posted: 15-Oct-2005