CASINO (Setting up of)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether he will seriously consider allowing the setting up of a casino in one of the top leading hotels or tourist spots in order to promote tourism in view of the present decline in tourist arrivals in Singapore.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, I shall answer on behalf of my Minister.

Sir, it is doubtful that the setting up of a casino will bring visitors in such a large number as to make a significant impact on our tourist trade. Even if there were desirable commercial benefits from such a project, these may not offset the long-term adverse social consequences.

Mr Chng Hee Kok (Radin Mas): Sir, in view of the fact that other public forms of legalized gaming are already in existence, will the Minister consider issuing limited licences to casinos which will admit patrons on a limited basis?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, it would be very difficult, and in practical terms not feasible, to enforce such a casino operation, ie, restricting it to only a certain category of people. It would create more unhappiness among the rest of the people who are not allowed to patronize such an establishment.

Dr Augustine H.H. Tan (Whampoa): Mr Speaker, Sir, is the Minister of State aware of a reported interview in the Business Times, today's date, page 8? The interview was conducted with a Mr Stanley Ho, better known to many as Macau's casino king, and I quote Mr Stanley Ho:

'Tourists generally travel on a budget and are unlikely to spend much time in the casinos. You need the support of the locals to survive. Casino and industry do not mix, said Mr Ho.'

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have also read the article. The answer itself is evident from what Mr Stanley Ho has said, that a casino does not necessarily lead to a great enhancement or improvement of the tourist trade. When they travel on a limited budget, they have already made their plans for the travel, and it is not necessary for us to look towards a casino as a means of boosting our tourism.

Mr Tan Soo Khoon (Alexandra): Can the Minister of State explain what is the difference in the social consequences between the Government running the mini-turf clubs and giving a licence for a casino?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Government does not run mini-turf clubs.

Sir, the Government realizes that it is not possible or practical to totally eradicate all forms of gambling. Certain opportunities must be made available to those who want to indulge in an occasional flutter. To compare buying of a lottery ticket or going to the turf club with casino gambling is to make comparison at two different levels which is not entirely appropriate. Casinos promote a different form of gambling, a more impulsive form of gambling and it has a totally different consequence.