The booming gambling-based economy of Macao is not expected to suffer a downturn from competition in the shape of the two casinos in Singapore due to be operational by 2009. Macau is predicted to retain its monopoly on players from the Chinese mainland, but its move to attract the lucrative convention market may find the Marina Bay development in Singapore more of a challenge. As far as casino marketing goes, the probability is that the two cities will target different groups of gamblers.

In taking its decision to licence two Integrated Resorts that include a casino, the Singapore government cited the need to move ahead in the modern world and not become a backwater for Asian tourism. The rapid success of Macau since the opening of its casino market to foreign operatives has been a beacon to other countries in Asia considering regulating gambling and licensing casinos. Monday’s announcement that Singapore will become a member of the casino club may prompt its neighbours to go the same route.

Yesterday Thailand, long tipped as a contender for passing casino legislation, decided that there are far more pressing problems affecting the country than considering the issue of casino licences. According to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a referendum would be needed before casinos could be legalised, and the government was not yet ready to think about gambling laws. There appears to be strong public opposition to casinos in Thailand, although the subject is often raised as a means to increase tourism and provide tax revenues. For the time being at least, Thailand does not seem eager to follow Singapore’s example. (E-04.21.05)

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