Singapore approves its first casino

Singapore has issued its first regulatory approval for a casino and the first one could open within the next few days. Genting Singapore PLC which has opened four luxury hotels as part of the project and has already built the casino in anticipation of receiving the approval hopes to have it open before the Chinese new Year holiday which starts in February. This step marks a major milestone for Singapore which has created an image of a clean and safe society (don’t forget that the sale of chewing gum is banned in the country) but it has simultaneously made clear rules to try to alleviate problems. Under 21s will not be allowed into the Casino, cash machines will not be allowed on the casino floor and the casino reserved the right to blacklist and refuse entry to anyone thought to have a gambling problem. What is more, relatives of problem gamblers will be encouraged to apply to the National Council on Problem Gambling to have them banned. The Casino is targeting visiting tourists rather than residents by offering free entry to the casino whereas residents have to pay a $70 entry fee but at the same time they are discouraging the practise of bringing in high rollers on packages by demanding personal details of the punters as well as doing checks on the package providers. Macau is currently the largest Asian gambling provider attracting large numbers of visitors from nearby China and the opening of the Singapore Casino is not thought to be going to have any huge effect as it is more likely to receive guests from other Asian countries.