SINGAPORE : After nine months of deliberation and debate, the
government is formally inviting potential investors to submit their
concept plans to build an integrated resort in Singapore.
But it makes clear it has not yet given the green light for the
casino resort proposal and is prepared to walk away if the concepts
are not compelling.
At a media conference, Senior Minister of State for Trade and
Industry Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also unveiled a list of minimum
social safeguards to protect the community from the negative impact
of gaming.
These include a minimum age limit of 21years old for patrons and
resort employees, as well as levies for Singaporeans and residents
who wish to gamble.
They will have to pay a $100 admission fee per entry or $2,000
annual membership levy.
Other safeguards proposed are: the casino must set credit and loss
limits within the gaming facility as well as ban casino employees
from gambling.
The public can also make applications to the casino to bar
admission to themselves or family members.
Operators will not be allowed to advertise or market gaming.
And they must provide programmes to educate the public and train
employees to identify problem gamblers.
Investors interested in developing the integrated resort, either at
Marina Bayfront or Sentosa, have two months to submit their concept
plans. - CNA