US Media: Singapore Casino Controls May Fuel Other Bets; Local analysts disagree

In a report by Asian Wall Street Journal, the paper commented that while Singapore's stringent methods have helped keep casino-related excesses under control, some feel that the government has neglected other forms of gambling, others fear the regulations might be fueling other gambling ills beyond casino gambling. Local analysts share a different view. SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan felt that casino gambling is the government's focus because the bets are significantly higher than those involved in lotteries, moreover, the government tax on the two integrated resorts is very high, thus the focus. He added that while the National Council of Problem Gambling has not targeted its anti-gambling campaigns on any particular type of gambling method, their efforts are on-going. He expressed concern that the emergence of casinos can send the wrong message to some that ‘small bets' are ‘normal' and acceptable. “When more betting stations appear, it gives locals the misperception that it's ok to bet, not realising that ‘small bets' can also lead to gambling addiction,” he added.