Singapore’s new gaming regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), issued three significant breach notices over the past year, with two directed at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) for failures in customer due diligence measures. This marks the GRA’s first enforcement actions since it replaced the former Casino Regulatory Authority and other agencies in August 2022.
The first notice slapped RWS with a SG$20,000 (US$14,600) fine for failing to carry out necessary customer due diligence measures, breaching the Casino Control Regulations 2009. The second, more severe notice imposed a SG$75,000 (US$54,800) fine for not performing enhanced customer due diligence measures.
Additionally, a third breach was reported against Ceylon Sports Club, resulting in a one-month suspension of its license. This was due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements concerning screening, registration of persons, and prevention of entry of excluded individuals.
In his foreword within the GRA’s 2022/23 annual report, Chairman Tan Tee How highlighted that Singapore citizens and permanent residents visiting casinos remained relatively steady at 3.2% in 2022, compared to 3.0% in 2021, 2.5% in 2020, and 3.4% in 2019. This stability was attributed to a 50% increase in casino entry levies implemented in 2019, preceding the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.