Singapore to maintain casino entry levy

Despite some questions around the casino entry levy, a Singapore Minister said that it provides convenience and it will remain.

Singapore.- Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo talked in Parliament on Monday and said that the annual entry levy for casinos provides convenience. She said that despite other politicians asking for it to struck down, it will remain for now.

Teo’s response comes after Alex Yam – a member of the political party, People’s Action Party (PAP) – asked for the annual casino entry levy to be removed. He wants to erase the levy in order to minimise problem gambling. “For these affluent individuals who want to visit casinos often, the annual entry levy provides convenience,” said Teo.

Last month, the government reported that entry fees to the casinos will increase. This was part of an announcement that detailed expansion plans of the two integrated resorts in Singapore in exchange for the exclusivity period to operate a casino to 2030.

This way, the daily casino entry for local citizens and permanent residents increased from $100 to $150. Moreover, the annual levy increased from $2,000 to $3,000.

Teo also pointed out that between 2010, the year in which integrated resorts started operating in Singapore, and 2018, the number of local visitors declined by 50%.

The Minister discussed problem gambling and casino-related crime

Besides the levies, more social safeguards are in place to minimise problem gambling, said Teo. This includes an exclusion order for the financially vulnerable. “If you’re under the exclusion order, then no amount that you offer will get you through,” she added.

Furthermore, politician Murali Pillai raised questions in regards to casino-related crime, The Straits Times detailed. Teo revealed that the annual number of casino crimes fell 58% from 299 cases in 2010 to 125 in 2018.