Debated in Parliament on 3 Nov 2014.
Ms Chia Yong Yong asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs whether the Government intends to mandate corporate donations as a requirement in the grant or renewal of a casino licence or remote gambling exemption.
The Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) assesses applications for the renewal of a casino licence based on four broad areas: law and order, social safeguards and responsible gambling measures, integrity of gaming and the economic aspects of the Integrated Resort. Corporate donations by a casino operator is not a factor in deciding whether to renew a licence. Neither do we have plans to make this a requirement.
However, both Integrated Resort operators, as part of their own commitment to corporate social responsibility, contribute to local community and social causes. Groups that have benefited from their contributions include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Metta School, the Singapore Association for the Deaf, self-help groups and the Community Chest.
Any application for exemption from restrictions on remote gambling will be assessed against the strict criteria stipulated in section 26 of the Remote Gambling Act. In particular, the applicant has to be a Singapore-based, not-for-profit entity which contributes to public, social and charitable purposes in Singapore. Additionally, the entity has to possess a consistent and good track record of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Similar to the renewal of casino licences, we do not intend to require applicants to make
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corporate donations beyond these provisions in the legislation.
PAPERCUTS