SINGAPORE: The overall net increase in tax revenue
from the casinos of Singapore's two integrated resorts (IRs) is
about S$900 million for FY10, based on estimates from the Ministry
of Finance.
For the first 10 months of FY11 - between April 2011
and January 2012 - the figure is also at about S$900
million.
Both amounts took into account the loss of tax
revenues from the resultant decline of other gaming activities such
as lotteries, horse and sports betting and fruit machines operated
by clubs.
Acing Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan
Chun Sing said this in a written parliamentary reply to Member of
Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, Mr Gan Thiam Poh on
Thursday.
Mr Gan wanted to know the total tax revenue generated by the two
casinos.
He also asked about the total number of visitors who've visited the
two casinos so far.
Mr Chan said the two operators recently released data showing that
136,434 unique local patrons visited the casino at Resorts World
Sentosa (RWS) and 137,259 visited the casino at Marina Bay Sands
(MBS) in 2011.
Taking into account an estimated 30 per cent overlap in local
visitors between both casinos, the number of locals who have
visited the IR casinos in 2011 is around 200,000.
Mr Chan said most locals, even if they patronise the casinos, do
not appear to visit frequently.
However, there is a small group of frequent gamblers which the
government is concerned about.
Mr Chan said his ministry is looking into introducing
'circuit-breakers' and expanding third-party casino exclusion for a
small group of problem gamblers and financially-vulnerable local
gamblers who visit the casinos frequently.
He said it'll also be studying responsible gambling practices in
other casino jurisdictions, such as Holland, Austria and
Australia.
It'll consult the IR operators and public on these measures.
- CNA/cc
