Submitted to
Ms. Joyce Lim
Senior Executive
MEMO
TO: Ms Joyce Lim
FROM: Andy Tan, Executive, Ministry for Home Affairs
DATE: 28 September, 2012
SUBJECT: How to minimize social problems arising from gambling
As you requested on August 2012, our report outlines the findings into how to minimize social problems arising from gambling. Since casino started operations, casino-related crimes have been occurring on average once a month. The more worrying trends are the increasing number of addicts and regression of their age. It has been reported that more youths 18 – 21 are seeking help for their addictions. (Channelnewsasia.com, February 8, 2012)
Firstly we delve through news sites to define crimes that are considered casino related. Secondly, we scrutinize the Casino Control Act (CCA) and identified a number acts designed to curb social problems arising from gambling.
Casino related crime comprise only 1% of all crimes due to vigilance of casino operators and cooperation with the police.
Casino-Related crimes are defined as crimes occurring in and around the casino. Majority of the crimes committed are thefts of chips, attempting to cheat or cheating and impersonating another person to gain entry to the casino (Crime Statistics, October 3, 2011).
The Casino Regulatory Authority was established to enforce the CCA and National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was formed subsequently to address the problem caused by gambling and educating the public on the downside of gambling.
Social safeguards were catered to protect the young and prevent families from disintegrating. 1. Entry Levy An entry fee of $100 daily or $2000 yearly will be levied on locals to serve as deterrence as patrons would have already lost $100 even before gambling. Casino operators will be fined for failing to enforce the levy or reimbursing patrons. Resort World Sentosa (RWS) was fined