“ I would like the government to make clear to present illegal operators that they must enter the system . There is a place for them to operate legally ”
“ Thailand would be wise to adopt many of the principles that have made Singapore successful from a regulatory standpoint ”
success in establishing world-class integrated resorts .”
Singapore ’ s integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands ( MBS ) and Resorts World Sentosa ( RWS ) – are seen as prototypes for casino legalisation as a tool that can boost tourism . The revenue-generating power of gaming enables the creation of resorts with spectacular non-gaming features , including the rooftop infinity pool and observation deck at MBS and the region ’ s first Universal Studios theme
“ I would like the government to make clear to present illegal operators that they must enter the system . There is a place for them to operate legally ”
Suranand Vejjajiva , political analyst
“ Thailand would be wise to adopt many of the principles that have made Singapore successful from a regulatory standpoint ”
Frederic Gushin , Spectrum Gaming Group park at RWS . Both appeal to tourists as well as locals .
“ They say we want to have Singaporestyle regulation , which I think they mean in terms of having the integrated resort model ,” a top casino industry executive with extensive experience in the US and multiple Asian markets requesting anonymity says . “ How far it goes beyond that still remains to be seen .”
Singapore ’ s integrated resorts application process included many mandates and options for licence aspirants , including iconic architecture , a theme park and convention facilities . Singapore dictated the site for each IR and restricted the size of its casino .
GOING FOR GOLD STANDARD
Less visibly , Singapore established regulations for ownership , employees and vendors similar to those in Las Vegas , considered the global gold standard jurisdiction . Singapore effectively banned junket promoters by subjecting them to those same probity requirements .
The city-state imposed a two-tiered tax system for mass market and VIP gaming revenue . It also instated an entry fee for Singapore citizens and permanent residents , collected by casinos on behalf of the government . Additionally , Singapore established a National Council on Gambling to mitigate the social impacts of gaming expansion .
“ Thailand would be wise to adopt many of the principles that have made Singapore successful from a regulatory standpoint . It should then adapt them to the circumstances of legalised gaming in Thailand ,” Spectrum Gaming Group managing director Fredric Gushin says .
Gushin , who oversaw 12 Atlantic City casino openings as a top official with New Jersey ’ s Division of Gaming Enforcement , suggests Thailand should undertake “ serious efforts dedicated to
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