Singapore starts investigation into casinos

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SINGAPORE, Apr 8 (AFP): Singapore said Friday it has kicked off a probe into alleged "illegal activities" in the city-state's two casinos, including claims about unlicensed "junket" operators. The Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) said in a statement it "has to-date received some information alleging illegal activities in the casinos". "The authorities take these allegations seriously and have initiated investigations. It would be inappropriate at this time to comment further on this matter." The Business Times said Thursday that Sheldon Adelson, who owns the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino complex in Singapore, had raised concerns about junket operators after uncovering a mystery $5 million-dollar transfer between Macau and Singapore through Marina Bay Sands. The money was for a person who was not on the high-roller list, which prompted him to suspect that junket operators were involved. Junket operators offer clients free trips to a casino provided they will gamble for a specific period or wager a specific amount of money. Singapore's CRA has not licensed anyone to operate junket tours to the two local casinos and has vowed to prosecute those engaging in these activities. The CRA said US gaming tycoon Adelson had informed the regulator of his concerns over the allegations and that it has asked him and Marina Bay Sands to "provide further information". Officials from Marina Bay Sands were not available to comment immediately when contacted by AFP. Malaysian-controlled Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore's other casino complex, said: "We do not wish to comment on baseless allegations such as those made by Mr Adelson. "However, we have read in the papers of certain investigations commenced against his companies. "Resorts World Sentosa holds in high regard the casino regulatory regime, and works closely with CRA on all compliance matters." The two casinos opened just last year and have proved a huge success and have largely been credited with turning around Singapore's tourism sector with new drawcards. Tourist arrivals in Singapore last year hit a record 11.6 million.