THE Government is investigating the provision of free bus rides
in Singapore to the two integrated resorts by their operators.
The probe, announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of Community
Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), is to establish that
Singaporeans are not targetted and encouraged to go to the casinos
at the integrated resorts (IRs).
It comes amid protests from MPs like Mr Liang Eng Hwa who, in an
interview with The Straits Times, said the free rides encouraged
Singaporeans in the heartland to gamble at the casinos.
Following queries from The Straits Times, the ministry said in
an email reply: 'We are investigating the provision of free
transport by the IR operators. The IR operators will not be allowed
to target the local market or provide incentives in any form for
Singaporeans to patronise the casinos.'
Both IRs provide free bus services. Marina Bay Sands free
shuttle is between the resort and Changi Airport and hotels in the
Marina Bay area. The free shuttle of RWS are available at two spots
in the Central Business District as well as 12 HDB town centres,
including Ang Mo Kio, Jurong East, Tampines and Bedok.
When contact, RWS said 'we do not provide special casino
incentives to Singaporeans'. It also released its own survey of
2,500 users of the free shuttle and it shows 'more than 60 per
cent' do not go to the casino.