Singapore tightens advertising guidelines for casinos |
<tbody> </tbody>
SINGAPORE, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore authorities tightened advertising and promotion guidelines for the country's two casinos on Friday.
Local broadcaster Channel NewsAsia said the aim of the authorities tightening the Casino Control (Advertising) Regulations was to make sure that the promotions such as membership drives, rewards and loyalty programs do not target the domestic market.
The changes were announced on Friday with immediate effect.
Channel NewsAsia said the authorities were prompted to act by the casinos providing free shuttle bus services from the heartland to its casino, promoted its rewards program and publicizing casino winnings on the website.
"The casinos can do whatever they want to promote their growth, but one of the things that we say is that you must never, never target the local population when it comes to promoting the growth. If you want to attract more tourists, we are okay with that. That is part of your job to do that," said Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.
Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands will now have to seek prior approval from the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry for all casino advertising and promotions, including interviews, media releases and community sponsorship.
Casino advertising will also now cover merchandizing, such as a T-shirt with a picture of a dice, or a mug with a picture of a roulette table.
The term "domestic market" includes not just Singapore citizens but also permanent residents and foreigners working and living in Singapore.
The two casino resorts in Singapore were inaugurated last year to soon make the country the world's second largest gaming market after China's Macao.
Both casino operators said they will work with authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
"Marina Bay Sands will continue to work very closely with the authorities in Singapore to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework at all times," Marina Bay Sands said.
"As a responsible gaming operator, we respect and seek to comply with Singapore's gaming laws and regulations. We fully support the amendments and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in compliance with the new regulations," said Resorts World Sentosa.
Local broadcaster Channel NewsAsia said the aim of the authorities tightening the Casino Control (Advertising) Regulations was to make sure that the promotions such as membership drives, rewards and loyalty programs do not target the domestic market.
The changes were announced on Friday with immediate effect.
Channel NewsAsia said the authorities were prompted to act by the casinos providing free shuttle bus services from the heartland to its casino, promoted its rewards program and publicizing casino winnings on the website.
"The casinos can do whatever they want to promote their growth, but one of the things that we say is that you must never, never target the local population when it comes to promoting the growth. If you want to attract more tourists, we are okay with that. That is part of your job to do that," said Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Chan Chun Sing.
Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands will now have to seek prior approval from the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry for all casino advertising and promotions, including interviews, media releases and community sponsorship.
Casino advertising will also now cover merchandizing, such as a T-shirt with a picture of a dice, or a mug with a picture of a roulette table.
The term "domestic market" includes not just Singapore citizens but also permanent residents and foreigners working and living in Singapore.
The two casino resorts in Singapore were inaugurated last year to soon make the country the world's second largest gaming market after China's Macao.
Both casino operators said they will work with authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
"Marina Bay Sands will continue to work very closely with the authorities in Singapore to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework at all times," Marina Bay Sands said.
"As a responsible gaming operator, we respect and seek to comply with Singapore's gaming laws and regulations. We fully support the amendments and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in compliance with the new regulations," said Resorts World Sentosa.
