Going to the Casino

[ProvenPracticalFlexible]

I guess you are right. I was going by the full page article in the local birdcage liner on Wednesday the 10th. I see the press release on the website is dated the 11th is is a release for editors, but so far I haven't seen it in the press although it's possible that I missed it. Was it in today's papers?

No, nothing in today's papers, I think the press release came out only around noon today. Dates were only "confirmed" at that time, and even that of course doesn't guarantee anything (Sands announced some 2 years ago that they'll open a casino in 2009 in Singapore), it's just their word, but now it's so short time, that giving a misleading time would be a bit foolish.

[Girl_Next_Door]

Well... my source is not from the casino but people who are regulating the casino. Not sure if this is a more reliable source...

I was told that all PRs and Singaporeans MUST pay the $100, but for PRs, there is a "way" to get around it. Of course, the "reliable source" refused to tell me what is the "way" since he will be violating the "rules".

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually your source is wrong. The obvious though for PR's is to use your Passport from your country of origin. However, in doing so, it would not be too hard to ask to also see their embarkation/disembarkation card. A PR no longer has that as his Re-entry Permit is stamped in his passport and it indicates that the holder is a Permanent Resident. So, no go. Alternatively, an EP or WP holder also doesn't have an Embarkation/Disembarkation card either but their passport is also stamped indicating that they are on a Work Visa.

So, no way around it for PR's I'm afraid.

[Girl_Next_Door]

Well, if it's something as simple as using your original passport, I don't think there's a necessity to be so secretive right? It's something that don't need a genius to figure out...

Then again, what does he know. He is just one of the people who regulate the casino.

[aster]

Went to Sentosa y'day and the place is still one big construction site. Gonna give it several more weeks before I go back.

I can wholeheartedly recommend walking from the Orchard area to Vivo City. It's a good experience and you can always pound a beer or two at every convenience store on the way. Nothing beats traveling on foot.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Well, if it's something as simple as using your original passport, I don't think there's a necessity to be so secretive right? It's something that don't need a genius to figure out...

Then again, what does he know. He is just one of the people who regulate the casino.

Of course, the "reliable source" refused to tell me what is the "way" since he will be violating the "rules".

So, what you are saying then, is there is a hypothetical 'way' but you don't have any 'way' of knowing whether he was blowing smoke or not as he wouldn't 'divulge' the 'way'. And this is from a Singapore Government Agency?

[boffenl]

I'd like to hear from a PR who used their country of origin passport to enter. My husband thinks this might be a way around the $100 fee. But again, the embarkation card could be a dead giveaway--does anyone think they'll really be looking for that? Could say you left it at the hotel?

[Girl_Next_Door]

So, what you are saying then, is there is a hypothetical 'way' but you don't have any 'way' of knowing whether he was blowing smoke or not as he wouldn't 'divulge' the 'way'. And this is from a Singapore Government Agency?

Wow, you talked exactly like my colleague!

What I am saying is, there may be a way to get around it.

Maybe you have never dealt with a regulator or implement legislation into a work environment before. In Singapore, many applicable laws are grey and open for interpretations. It is different from HK and possibly several foreign jurisdictions, whereby its very specific. Sg Regulators are always silence when it comes to grey area and hypothetical situations.

You need to remember that CRA is a very young team (not in terms of age but experience in regulating a casino business in Singapore). Being a young team, they need to be very careful about what they say and reveal. There are also times where they may not say a direct "Yes"/"No" because circumstances change and someone can always find a loophole in their rules and regulations.

Its a matter of how much time you spend to uncover the "loophole".

But then again, you are a moderator in this forum so everything you said, must be right. Otherwise, you will just delete the posting or ban the poster who contradict your opinion right?

[sundaymorningstaple]

Otherwise, you will just delete the posting or ban the poster who contradict your opinion right?

Obviously that's not correct is it! You are still here. And moderators here aren't vindictive. Abrasive, yeah, occasionally. But vindictive? Never.

One is not safe here only if one is an advertiser or spammer (not really much difference except in quantum).

[jpatokal]

A PR no longer has that as his Re-entry Permit is stamped in his passport and it indicates that the holder is a Permanent Resident.

REPs are no longer stamped in the passport, the new ones are just printed forms you can carry with you.

So, no way around it for PR's I'm afraid.

It all depends on how, if at all, they verify. I very much doubt ICA will allow the casino to hook up to their systems, so all they can do is visually inspect the passport. If they check that you have a valid entry permit and deny entry to those who don't, you're screwed... but if they just flip through and look for old-style stamped REPs, and let you in if they don't find any, you should be OK.

So any PRs out there who give it a stab, let us know how it goes...

[AndyD]

So any PRs out there who give it a stab, let us know how it goes...

Oh what, how boring – isn’t it more fun to have a heated debate based on rumours and guesswork…

[irvine]

Oh, I thought I'd go and ROAR some winnings.. but the $100 for PR entrance just ... hmm, ain't so attractive, unless they include a night's stay and all day free food/buffet.

[ScoobyDoes]

Alternatively, an EP or WP holder also doesn't have an Embarkation/Disembarkation card either but their passport is also stamped indicating that they are on a Work Visa.

Not anymore, with the new Smart Cards for EP holders there is no stamp in the passport. Also, instead of like the "Green Card" that had the passport number written on it, the new card simply has it encoded inside and no number printed on the card.

It also makes changing passports much easier because we only need to update the chip, not replace the card.


With regards a PR getting into the casino..... getting a second passport is usually quite easy if you can prove you need it, then there is no need to register that one in Singapore for your PR status. Okay, so the lack of any entry stamp inside might cause a problem but........

[aster]

This is a no-brainer, if they want to give free entry only to those on a tourist visa/EP then that's exactly what will happen. I cannot see any loophole existing unless this would be done on purpose. If you forgot to take your (dis)embarkation card then what's the trouble with checking to see if you have a stamp proving your entrance here as a tourist?

And if you're on an EP and don't have your little green card (or the new one that I have yet to see), you also have a stamp in your passport courteously provided by the MoM.

[ProvenPracticalFlexible]

What's this speculation about now?

Whether a PR can get in without paying the levy by some trick, and basically breaking the rules, regulations or laws. I'm sure that can be done somehow, but if you get caught there is that 1000$ fine. I'd assume they'll do a lot of checks especially in the beginning.

Or is there a legal way for PRs to avoid paying the levy? Which I doubt, why would they do that, people who are big enough gamblers would pay the annual 2000$ fee and it won't be such a big deal. Small timers, who worry about 100 $ are not that important to make an exception.