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Radio
Singapore International, 2 Apr 04
A look at the proposal to open a casino in
Singapore
on the Regional Press Review segment
And finally, a look at the proposal to open a casino in Singapore.
This would enhance the country’s status as a tourist destination.
It is not surprising that there will be opposition to the proposal.
The Straits Times: “Because a casino comes with all the known evils
of gambling, this road to perdition must never be opened in Singapore.
”
Singapore has to compete for tourist dollars in the international
arena, said the paper. “One way for Singapore to stay ahead is to
broaden its appeal in international tourism. If this means having
a top-class casino among other holiday resort attractions, so be it".
The Straits Times felt that there will be rules to regulate entry
for Singaporeans. But these might pose their own problems. “People
will feel insulted, understandably so, if they get designated as poor
and are denied entry".
Whatever the government decides, the proposal still got the thumbs
up from the Straits Times. Tourist dollars aside, just the tax dollars
associated with the venture were attractive enough: “Casinos in other
countries are cash cows for the treasury. They are a lucrative source
of revenue and it is fair game for the authorities to levy taxes on
casino takings. For Singapore, it is estimated that the taxes from
lotteries alone make up a tenth of the Government’s $16.5 billion
annual tax revenue. With more money, it can do more for the people.
This is another point for puritans to ponder.” |
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