USA Today, 14 Jun 2010
SINGAPORE — Stale cigarette smoke wafts through the air as Singaporeans cluster around card tables in an exclusive residents-only gambling parlor.
The parlor, called the Orchid Room, was opened by Resorts World Sentosa to accommodate Singaporeans who couldn't find a spot to gamble in the packed casino. It's a visible sign of this island nation's enormous appetite for gambling.
Yet, industry watchers say if this trend continues, it could create social problems and mitigate Singapore's expected economic gains from the new Resorts World Sentosa and its sophisticated competitor, Marina Bay Sands.
"Everyone's been asking the same question: Will Singapore (casinos) be successful?" says Aaron Fischer, head of consumer and gaming research at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets. But the more relevant question appears to be, "What happens if they're too successful?" Full Story
