Press Releases

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) are proposing to amend the Casino Control Act to ensure that the casino regulatory regime continues to keep pace with developments in the industry and international best practices.

2.            The Casino Control Act, which came into effect in 2006, provides the main legislative basis for managing the casinos in Singapore. It ensures that:

a.            Criminal activities associated with casino operations do not take root in Singapore;

b.            Gaming is conducted honestly; and

c.             Vulnerable persons and society at large are protected from the potential harm of casino gambling.

3.            The Integrated Resorts have contributed significantly to Singapore’s economy and tourism landscape. Law and order and social downsides associated with the casinos are under control. With the benefit of practical experience in regulating and managing the casinos over the past two years, a review of the casino regulatory regime and the Casino Control Act is therefore timely. 

4.            There are five key aspects to the amendments: Crime, Gaming, Social, Economic and Tax. The amendments to the Casino Control Act aim to:

a.            Better align the legislative framework with the original policy intent of introducing the IRs in Singapore;

b.            Enhance law enforcement levers;

c.            Streamline regulatory requirements and operational processes so that they keep pace with international
               best practices and industry developments;

d.            Strengthen social safeguards; and

e.            Improve tax administration.

5.            The government regularly consults a wide range of stakeholders in any regulatory review. We seek the views and feedback of the public on the proposed amendments to the Casino Control Act. The public consultation will start on Monday 9 July 2012 and end on 6 August 2012. Members of the public can access the public consultation document and the draft Bill at the REACH portal (www.reach.gov.sg). Feedback can be submitted to: mha_cca_consultation@mha.gov.sg.

6.            In addition, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will be holding closed-door consultations with various stakeholders such as religious groups, community and social services groups, to hear their views on the proposed social safeguard enhancements.

7.            A summary report of the feedback received will be published after the end of the consultations with the public and relevant stakeholders. 

8.            The Casino Control Amendment Bill is targeted to be tabled in Parliament at the end of the year.