S'pore Will Not Be Like Macau After Casinos Open

Singapore is determined to maintain its clean image, and will not become like Macau when its two casinos open for business.

Singapore is determined to maintain its clean image, and will not become like Macau when its two casinos open for business, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said on Tuesday.

Singapore scrapped a ban on casinos in 2005, and has started to build two multi-billion-dollar gambling resorts as part of a plan to attract more tourists.

Las Vegas Sands won the right to develop the first casino in downtown Singapore, while Malaysia's Genting group won the right to build the second casino on Sentosa island.

However, Genting International and its sister firm Star Cruises -- both controlled by Genting Bhd. -- upset the city-state's authorities after unveiling a tie-up with Macau tycoon Stanley Ho soon after they won the bid to build the $3.4 billion project.

"When Genting was going to take on Stanley Ho as a partner, we indicated that its casino licence may be at stake. We don't want any of the activities that goes on in Macau here," Lee told Reuters in an interview.

Genting International has since withdrawn from its proposed partnership with Macau's Ho.

Lee said scrapping a ban on casinos could increase the risk of social and financial problems.

Ho, one of the world's richest men, had a monopoly on casino gambling in Macau for nearly four decades until it was opened up to other players in 2002.