Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN FEB 2020 38 COLUMNISTS making sure that casino guests are making informed decisions. One of the pillars of the Singapore market has been the different levels of exclusions that exist between self-exclusion, family and third-party exclusion, and those identified by the government as having previous criminal activity. The process also allows foreigners and permanent residents the ability to be excluded as well. The casino levy continues to be one of the more forward-facing issues that was implemented as a deterrent preventing locals from gambling by adding an “admission” cost for those who participate. The initial fees of SG$100 for a daily levy or SG$2,000 for the annual levy were both raised by 50% last spring to SG$150 and SG$3,000 respectively. This move by the government was designed to “keep problemgambling under control.” However, many locals have complained about the added tax that has been imposed on their gaming entertainment activity. As of the updating of the fee last year, Singapore had raised about SG$1.3 billion in revenue since 2010. The verdict is still out on whether this fee curbs problem gambling for those that may have a problem or if they instead view it as a chaser, where a player feels a need to recoup their SG$150 loss before they even start to play. Research is the key responsible gaming initiative in any jurisdiction, as has been the case in Singapore as operators and the government continue to look at the market. Partnerships can continue to be created between the regulator, operator and community partners to better address those that do have a problem while minimizing any effects it may have on those that play responsibly. The foundation of any solid program is evidence and science-based research that leads to solid policy and implementation within any jurisdiction. While Singapore continues to mature, so will its responsible gaming efforts because of these partnership and initiatives – all the while providing a road map for other jurisdictions around the world to follow.