Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAN 2023年1月 亞博匯 78 FEATURES REGULATING SINGAPORE’S CASINOS Under the Casino Control Act (CCA), an International Market Agent (IMA) needs to be licensed by GRA before it can perform casino marketing arrangements in or with respect to any casino of which the casino operator has given its endorsement. There is currently no licensed IMA in Singapore. The casinos were always envisaged as a relatively small component of a large and diversified integrated resort (IR) development that would contribute significantly to Singapore’s tourism industry and economy. GRA works closely with other economic agencies such as the Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to ensure the broader tourism and economic objectives. An example of this approach is reflected in the amendments made to the CCA in 2012 where: a. A new section 45A was introduced in the CCA for theMinister responsible for tourism development and promotion to appoint an Evaluation Panel which will provide an independent opinion to GRA on the ability of the IR operators to fulfill their economic obligations; and b. Section 45 of the CCA was amended to allow GRA to take into account IR operators’ ability to maintain, promote and develop the IRs as compelling tourist destinations when assessing applications to grant or renew casino licenses.