(Reuters) – Singapore’s casino regulator is investigating allegations of illegal activities in the city-state’s casinos, its spokesman said on Friday.
The regulator has “received some information alleging illegal activities in the casinos. The authorities take these allegations seriously and have initiated investigations,” the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) said in an emailed statement.
The investigations follow comments from Las Vegas Sands’ chief executive, Sheldon Adelson, that unlicensed junket representatives could be operating in Singapore.
Junket operators bring in gambling groups in return for commissions from casinos.
“Adelson, on his part, has informed CRA of his concerns over alleged illegal activities at the casinos. CRA has asked Adelson and MBS to provide further information,” CRA said.
Las Vegas Sands owns Marina Bay Sands, a $5.5 billion casino in Singapore, while Genting Singapore operates the only other casino, Resorts World Sentosa, in the city-state.
The Casino Control Act provides for the licensing of junket operators and representatives in Singapore and junket operators that meet the regulatory requirements would be allowed to operate in Singapore after being licensed, CRA said.
So far, no licenses have been issued.
The CRA said it has received junket applications endorsed by Resorts World Sentosa and is currently processing them.
Adelson’s own operations in Macau are under investigation by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the company also faces a U.S. lawsuit alleging corruption and bribery.
Sands China Ltd disclosed the investigation in late March.
The company is being sued by its former chief executive, Steve Jacobs, who said he was ordered to use “improper leverage” against Macau government officials to help expand the company’s operations.
