SINGAPORE : NTUC's Secretary-General Lim Boon Heng said the big
casino debate was really about jobs.
He estimates that up to 10,000 jobs could be created if Singapore
builds two casinos - one at Marina and the other at Sentosa.
There will also be several thousand more jobs created in hotels and
shops around the island.
Mr Lim, who was speaking to reporters at a union event, said he
personally would rather not have a casino, but it is an option that
has to be considered.
As a tourist destination, Singapore has been losing some of its
shine.
In order to revitalise this mainstay of the economy, it is hoped
that an integrated resort with Disney-like facilities and a casino
could help bring in more tourists.
Mr Lim even brought up the possibility of two casinos - one at
Marina and another at Sentosa.
These could then pump up the jobs - not just at the resort - but
provide work in related areas for taxi drivers, restaurant owners
and hotel workers.
Mr Lim said: "So, the debate should be about job creation for
Singaporeans. The problem is - can we do all this without the
casino? That is the issue.
"Those who want to develop this facility say they will invest big
money if they are given the casino licence, so we have to weigh
that factor carefully."
Mr Lim said experience had shown that several theme park operators
have tried and failed, without a casino, to bring in the
cash.
Even at sprawling Downtown East where Mr Lim was speaking, it is
not the games but jackpot machines that are a financial lifeline
for the club.
So important are the earnings in the small jackpot room for the
running of the club that were it not for these machines, the NTUC
Club would have to be subsidised by up to $1 million from other
sources.
Mr Lim said: "I do not like gambling. I wish we do not have to have
a casino, but if we can only revitalise our tourism and hospitality
sector then maybe it is a price we have to consider."
The government will announce its decision on Monday. - CNA/de
