A Guggenheim Museum, a Formula One circuit, a Garden City and amusement parks are just some of the prospects for Singapore in the next round of bidding for the two Integrated Resorts. Actual details of the plans have been jealously guarded by the companies involved but the ideas are gradually becoming public knowledge. Hong Kong’s New Century Group has been dealt out and another loser in the first round appears to be Macau’s Greek Mythology Entertainment Group. Still in the running are the two Africa-based companies, Peermont Global and Sun International, with vast experience running resorts in Southern Africa.

As yet there has been no official release naming companies successfully through to the next round, and the two winning bids will not be announced until December. Other companies reportedly to elaborate further on their concepts are Kerzner International, Tabcorp, PBL/Melco, MGM Mirage, Wynn Resorts, Harrah’s Entertainment, Las Vegas Sands and Genting of Malaysia. The Singapore government is not wanting to recreate Las Vegas and will be seeking to develop its Integrated Resorts, where the casinos will be a minor part of the developments, into tourist destinations more in keeping with the Singapore ethos.

Singapore has long been regarded as a ‘nanny’ state by many but it has also made a name for itself as a safe and honest place to do business. Whereas Macau is attempting to improve its ‘sleazy’ image by making its lucrative casino-based economy more family-friendly and to attract the business convention market, Singapore is determined to hold on to its good reputation. Strict measures will ensure that any detrimental social effects of casinos in Singapore will be kept to a minimum. Entry fees, credit and advertising controls, revenue funding for charities and resources for problem gambling programmes will be amongst regulations imposed on the casino operators.

The furore that erupted in Britain and caused a government U-turn over casino resorts will not be replicated in Singapore. Tony Blair has said since that he does not think that leisure complexes with gaming pose a threat to society. The Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sport in Singapore goes further, saying that addicted gamblers should not blame the government, “Every gambling addict has to own up to his own problems and be held accountable for it.” (E-04.25.05)

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