The Singapore Police Force announced today that it will start serving Exclusion Orders tomorrow to those with serious criminal backgrounds to keep them out of Singapore casinos.

Under Section 122 of the Casino Control Act, the Commissioner of Police (CP) may, by a written Exclusion Order (EO) given to a person, prohibit the person from entering or remaining on any casino premises. These exclusion orders are broadly targeted at criminals who are involved in serious syndicated crimes or those with the propensity to operate criminal organisations, as well as those involved in illegal activities which will directly affect the crime-free gaming environment.

Exclusion Orders will be served on those who have committed serious criminal offences such as loanshark syndicate members, secret society members, money launderers, pimps and drug traffickers. Some 3500 orders will be served. The period of exclusion depends on the severity of the crime(s) committed. The list of excluded persons will be periodically reviewed and updated. Excluded persons who wish to appeal against the Exclusion Order may do so, by writing to the Minister of Home Affairs .

The Exclusion Orders will keep the gaming environment free from syndicated crime and vice activities. This complements other preventive measures such as diligent observation and checks by casino security, and swift enforcement, investigation and prosecution of offenders. Similar exclusion mechanisms are also used in other foreign jurisdictions.

The basis for a CP EO is separate and distinct from Exclusion Orders which may be issued by other agencies such as the National Council on Problem Gambling. Notification is limited to the excluded person, the CRA , and the casino operators.

An excluded person shall not enter or remain, or take part in any gaming, on any casino premises. The penalty for contravening the Order is a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both. Any winnings paid or payable to the offender shall also be forfeited.