שר האוצר היקר,למד משהו מסנגפור-
26-9-2004 For decades, conservative Singapore has rejected proposals to open a casino in the city-state, denying its gambling-addicted, predominantly Chinese population the opportunity to place a legal bet. Now the matter is back on the table, with the government inviting proposals for an entertainment centre, with a casino at its heart. Six international gambling companies have expressed informal interest in the project. "We have to reconsider because ... the situation changes," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, after taking office last month. The biggest change is that gambling has gone global and become respectable. Tourists are demanding the chance to have a bet and enjoy first-class entertainment while they shop. Gambling markets are maturing in Western countries and Asia has emerged as the hottest growth area, fuelled by economic success and a broad trend either to legalise gambling or liberalise existing gambling regimes. Smaller countries such as Singapore - which have long worried that legalised gambling could open the way for organised crime and social stress - now have a more urgent concern: their citizens are going abroad in increasing numbers to gamble, resulting in a loss of potential income and tax. Their domestic tourism industries are also likely to suffer unless they join the rush to offer gambling venues. While Singapore ponders its decision about a casino, expected by January, it is losing an estimated $US720million ($1billion) a year researchers say Singaporeans bet close to home: $US180million at Malaysia's Genting Highlands casino; $US 400million on gambling cruises that leave Singapore at night and return in the morning; and $US140million at unlicensed casinos on Batam, an Indonesian island a short ferry ride away. While Singapore has less need than most countries to tap casino revenue to improve its fiscal position, the country wants to protect its tourism industry, a vital part of its positioning as a manufacturing, services and arts hub. It also faces concerns by community groups that oppose a casino on the grounds it would undermine family life.
26-9-2004 For decades, conservative Singapore has rejected proposals to open a casino in the city-state, denying its gambling-addicted, predominantly Chinese population the opportunity to place a legal bet. Now the matter is back on the table, with the government inviting proposals for an entertainment centre, with a casino at its heart. Six international gambling companies have expressed informal interest in the project. "We have to reconsider because ... the situation changes," said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, after taking office last month. The biggest change is that gambling has gone global and become respectable. Tourists are demanding the chance to have a bet and enjoy first-class entertainment while they shop. Gambling markets are maturing in Western countries and Asia has emerged as the hottest growth area, fuelled by economic success and a broad trend either to legalise gambling or liberalise existing gambling regimes. Smaller countries such as Singapore - which have long worried that legalised gambling could open the way for organised crime and social stress - now have a more urgent concern: their citizens are going abroad in increasing numbers to gamble, resulting in a loss of potential income and tax. Their domestic tourism industries are also likely to suffer unless they join the rush to offer gambling venues. While Singapore ponders its decision about a casino, expected by January, it is losing an estimated $US720million ($1billion) a year researchers say Singaporeans bet close to home: $US180million at Malaysia's Genting Highlands casino; $US 400million on gambling cruises that leave Singapore at night and return in the morning; and $US140million at unlicensed casinos on Batam, an Indonesian island a short ferry ride away. While Singapore has less need than most countries to tap casino revenue to improve its fiscal position, the country wants to protect its tourism industry, a vital part of its positioning as a manufacturing, services and arts hub. It also faces concerns by community groups that oppose a casino on the grounds it would undermine family life.