Daily Lessons from Life 06 February 2012 - MBS, RWS fined for breaching social safeguard requirements

"MBS, RWS fined for breaching social safeguard requirements - CNA 06 February

SINGAPORE : The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA) has fined Singapore's two casino operators for breaching social safeguard requirements.

Offences include allowing Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents to enter the casino without valid entry levies or with expired levies, as well as allowing persons on exclusion orders and minors (persons under the age of 21) to enter the casino.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) was fined S$255,000, while Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) was imposed financial penalties of S$130,000.

The casino regulator said the financial penalties were imposed on the casino operators for breaching regulations under the Casino Control Act during the period 28 October 2010 to 30 April 2011, and 15 August 2010 to 30 April 2011 respectively.

MBS had let in 14 Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents without valid entry levies, while RWS let in five.

MBS had also allowed two Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with expired entry levies to remain in the casino, while RWS did so with three persons.

Separately, MBS let in six persons on exclusion orders, and RWS let in one.

MBS was also fined for letting in two minors.

RWS was fined for letting in six minors and was also separately censured for five cases of similar breaches.

"The operators will need to improve their entry systems and processes, exercise more diligence in carrying out their checks, and comply fully with our laws and regulations. CRA will not hesitate to take firm action against the operators should such incidents recur."

This is the first case of disciplinary action taken since rules were tightened in November to ensure casinos here do not target the domestic market.

A study on the social impact of casinos here is expected to be released soon."

I will say the same thing I said before: DO NOT ever become too cozy wiht the casino operators!! Their job is to PUSH the limit and get as many gamblers into their casinos as possible. The Regulators MUST be above appearance of independence from the casino operatos. This is especially critical given the recent arrest of 2 top civil servants for potential IT procurment improper conduct issue!

Lessons for me are:

1. be sure of WHAT is your role and NEVER let down your guard to ensure independence of your role from those you are supposed to supervise;

2. adopt a healthy skeptical attitude to be casino operators and always assume that they will try to get MORE gamblers into their casinos by pushing the limits of the laws governing 'gaming' in Singapore!;

3. never step back from publicising any breach of the regulations and punish the offenders without fear or favor severely! There may even be a need to increase the quantum of punishment to the casino operators. Shows 'tough love' here!!

May CRA continue to police the casinos and ensure that innocent and unqualified person should NOT be given a chance to get into the casinos and that the casino operators truly implement the necessary social safety net duties seriously!!