Singapore has several casinos and is considering expanding its gambling business.On the other hand, however, they take a cautious stance on certain types of advertising, which can pose a problem for popular local actors.
There is no denying that local artist Terence Cao shot three short promotional videos for the illegal gambling site promoting the message of "little gambling and pleasure".The video was published on the internet and the evidence is clear.
However, the actor, who has appeared on local TV shows like "Babies on Board" and "My Teacher Is a Thug," has denied the motivation behind the spot.Unfortunately, if he's right, he didn't do his homework before accepting the role.
Mind games
Singapore's Gambling Regulations only allow Singapore Pools, a lottery and sports betting chain, to operate.As such, only the company has the necessary licenses to advertise.Singapore prohibits all gambling activities without a license.
So Cao endorsed an illegal gambling website.This means that violating gambling laws can result in fines of up to S$20,000 (US$15,1300).
The actor, who admitted to selling a $13,000 Rolex last year due to a lack of acting roles, admits the role in the spot but claims he's innocent.He told local media that he was approached by a production company to produce a responsible gambling ad and accepted the job without knowing the background of the website.
The 55-year-old actor said he had never worked with the production company and did not research the production company or gambling platform before filming the spot.But instead of participating in a safe gambling campaign, his appearance became the focus of a marketing campaign promoting the website.
When media outlets reached out to him, Cao said the video was meant to tell him not to gamble.Unfortunately for him, what came across was a spot where gamblers were encouraged to bet "small" because it was fun.
Singapore police were notified and are currently investigating the commercial.It also confirmed that the Singapore Gambling Authority is also investigating.However, the videos are no longer accessible on the operating company's site.
Gambling in Singapore bounces back
Singapore's casinos have struggled due to COVID-19, and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has barely managed to survive on its own.After the pandemic started easing hygiene restrictions, I felt a little more at ease, but not immediately.
In the third quarter of 2021, Las Vegas Sands (LVS), which owns MBS, announced integrated resort sales of $3 million.In the third quarter of last year, that number jumped 2% to $4900 million.
LVS Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein is optimistic about further growth.He believes MBS will reach $16 billion soon, at 2019 levels.Soon after that, it will reach $20 billion.
Genting Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa is also recovering.But its success is not on the level of MBS.It recovered 3% in the third quarter of last year, but sales were low at $96 million.
Singapore is what most analysts describe as the hotbed of gaming activity in Asia.It's becoming a leader in all types of tourism, which benefits the gaming industry as well.Morgan Stanley analysts report the fastest recovery in Asia, which should fuel further growth.
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