Singapore Casinos To Restrict Locals Only To Slot Machines
What is being called an ultimate course of action to dissuade locals from gambling, Singaporeans in hopes of making their fortune through gambling will be dismayed to learn that local casinos are imposing a restriction on all games for locals – except the slot machines.
Marina Bay Sands Casino Authority Spokesperson Andrew Loy released in an official statement Monday: "In effect of 1st January 2016, blackjack, roulette, baccarat or poker will strictly be off limits to local gamblers in casinos."
"They are still welcome to the slot machines though," he continued, further explaining that Singaporeans will still be able to enjoy spending hours of exhilarating lever-pulling slot machine action in hopes of a jackpot which will probably "come up sooner or later".
“We want to remind Singaporean gamblers that gambling isn’t encouraged but that they still can enjoy donating their hard-earned money to our slot machines,” Loy said, adding that the odds of a jackpot are a very favourable 1 in 250,000.
The measure was put in place to deter the tide of Singaporeans who continue to gamble frequently. "It was either this or imposing another exit fee levy of $100."
This sees the government's continued efforts to discourage locals from gambling. First brought up as far back as 2005, Singaporeans were initially resistant to the construction of a casino for fear of its negative social impacts and possible crime-related activities.
Brand new slot machines will be brought into the casino in anticipation of the higher demand.
