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NewsAsia, 16 Nov 04
Singapore
a matured society and ready for a casino: Dr Vivian
By Derek
Cher
Singapore is a matured society and is ready to accept having a casino
here, says Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Vivian
Balakrishnan. He also revealed that a majority of Singaporeans do
not have problems with having a casino here. Singapore currently collects
$1.3 billion in gaming duties a year - that's $3.5 million a day.
But the government says the debate should not be on trying to balance
money and values. Rather, it should focus on whether Singapore is
a matured society. Dr Vivian said: "Personally, I think Singaporeans
are ready and will have to be ready in the future. If not now, then
later. But to me, the direction in which our society is progressing
is irreversible."
He said many Singaporeans did not object to having a casino here.
Only a small minority oppose it on moral grounds. But Dr Vivian warns
that gambling is not a means to earn money or make a living. Instead,
it should be viewed as a form of entertainment. "If you go to a casino,
only a casino owner and the government who taxes the casino owner
is sure to make money. Everybody else in the long run loses money,"
he said.
The government will begin talks with potential investors over the
next few weeks. It will first view their concept plans before requesting
for proposals. But the government says the proposals must achieve
sufficient economic benefits. Otherwise, it is still quite happy to
walk away. The government has also set aside $2 billion to develop
tourism infrastructure and products over the next 10 years.
A website on the proposed integrated resort has been set up by the
Trade and Industry Ministry and the Feedback Unit. This website has
a summary of all the feedback and views received about the proposed
integrated resort. It also contains information about it. Members
of the public can offer their views at www.feedback.gov.sg. - CNA
S'pore tourism gets $2b devt fund, govt to meet potential casino operators
By Derek Cher
Singapore will be pumping $2b into a tourism development fund. The
fund will be used to invest in world class infrastructure and tourism
products over the next 10 years. The Government also says it will
start talks with potential investors on an integrated resort with
gaming facilities over the next few weeks.
Singapore currently collects S$1.3b in gaming duties a year - that's
S$3.5m a day.
Public debate on whether Singapore should have a casino has been going
on for months now. So far, the majority of Singaporeans say they have
no reservations about gaming. Only a segment of the population opposes
it on moral principles. But the Government says the debate shouldn't
be about trying to balance money and values. Rather, it should be
about Singaporeans being matured enough to do what they believe to
be right. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Senior Minister of State for Trade
and Industry, said: "Yes, you can have views about certain things
or activities you don't wish to participate in. But, should these
views be imposed on all other segments of our society, in a blanket
society and thereby deprive people of exercising free choice in a
matured way? My own sense of it is that Singapore is now a more matured
society and generally the vast majority of Singaporeans can be trusted
to make up their own minds, exercise their choices and act responsibly."
But Dr Vivian warned that gambling is merely a form of entertainment
and is not a money-making venture as some would believe. He said:
"Gambling is not a means of earning money or making a living. If you
go to a casino, only a casino owner and the government who taxes the
casino owner are sure to make money. Everybody else in the long run
loses money. So if you choose to gamble, I want you to do so knowing
full well that yes, you are actually in effect spending money to entertain
yourself. You're not making a living out of it."
So far, up to 12 casino operators have expressed interest in doing
business here. Among their favourite locations are Sentosa island
and Marina South. But the Government expects the number of investors
will drop as few will be able to meet its guidelines and limitations.
The Government will view the concept plans of potential investors
over the next few weeks, before asking for proposals. But if the proposals
can't achieve sufficient economic benefits, the Government says, it
is still quite happy to walk away. - CNA |
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