Why Casino for Singapore

At exactly 11.18pm on February 14, 2010, Singapore joined the ranks of other cities such as Macau and Las Vegas when Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) officially opened the nation's first casino. Together with the Marina Bay Sands which set to open in the next few months, the openings of the so-called ‘integrated resorts' are aimed at bolstering tourism to the city-state. Whether by coincidence or intent, this day was the first day of the Lunar Year of the Tiger, as well as being Valentine's Day, making it a double red-letter day for both the country and Resorts World Sentosa.

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Why Casino for Singapore

The government claims the aim of the project is to boost Singapore's tourism industry which has been facing intense competition from other destinations around the region, particularly from nearby Bangkok and Hong Kong, which has since also considered legalization of casinos in the wake of initiatives in Singapore. Even closer to home, Malaysia has long had a legal casino cum theme park on Genting Highlands, which proved popular with Singaporean tourists. The IRs in Singapore are expected to create about more jobs directly and indirectly. In addition to the casinos, the IRs will have other amenities including hotels, restaurants, shopping and convention centres theatres, museums and theme parks. The industry is expected to invest US$7.1 billion in integrated resorts (US$3.5 billion in Marina Bay; US$3.6 billion in Resorts World)

Ruchika Tulshyan (2010) in her article on "Why Singapore went into the casino industry" estimated that the two casino resorts are expected to boost tourism, generate 45,000 jobs and attract 10 million visitors by 2015. And with a 13% rise in Singapore's 1st Quarter GDP this year, the gamble may already be paying off.

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Why NO Casino for Singapore

Singapore has always outlawed gambling. Gambling was not tolerated due to the negative social effects it brought to society.

The plan to build the casinos was subject to considerable debates among Singaporeans. Several groups, such as those belonging the Muslim and Christian communities as well as social workers, openly expressed their disapproval to the casinos. Concerns were raised about the negative social impact of casino gambling, citing worries that the casinos could encourage more gambling and increase the risk of compulsive gambling. Activist groups argued that a casino could also lead to undesirable activities often associated with gambling, including money