Framework for gaming industry will be tweaked over time: CRA

16 July 2010

SINGAPORE : The Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) says it will not “micro-manage” when it comes to regulating the gaming industry.

Speaking at the agency’s workplan seminar, its chief executive said the regulatory framework will be tweaked from time to time.

Singapore’s gaming industry is new and with its two casinos opening just this year, regulators say it’s still early days.

They say over time, changes to the framework will be made to accommodate developments such as new gaming technology.

Raja Kumar, chief executive, Casino Regulatory Authority, said: “The challenge for us is to find out what the new technology is about, understand the implications that much better so that we can come up with appropriate regulations to manage and see this through to operationalisation.”

The role of regulators is clear – that is, to ensure that the running of the casinos is kept legal and to minimise the negative impact of gambling on society.

Mr Raja Kumar said: “The approach that we’re making at CRA is a practical one. We will judge the operators by the outcomes that they deliver against the regulatory requirements, and then we will assess if they have complied with the regulatory requirements.

“We do not micro-manage their operations, but they will have to deliver the regulatory outcomes.”

On recent reports that a minor had sneaked into the Marina Bay Sands casino, the agency said it is the responsibility of the operator to keep minors out.

Failure to do so may lead to disciplinary action. The agency said it will assess if the operator has been lax in its duty.

- CNA/al