The plan to build the casinos was subject to considerable debates among Singaporeans. Several groups, such as those belonging to the Muslim and Christian communities as well as social workers, openly expressed their disapproval to the casinos. Concerns were raised about the negative social impact of casino gambling, citing worries that the casinos could encourage more gambling and increase the risk of compulsive gambling. Activist groups argued that a casino could also lead to undesirable activities often associated with gambling, including money laundering, loan sharks or even organised crime.
PM Lee acknowledged the downsides of having Integrated Resorts and the concerns expressed by the public. He promised that there would be safeguards to limit the social impact of casino gambling. He stated there would be restrictions in the admission of the local population into the casinos, for example, family members of a patron of the casino may block him or her from entering and gambling. Lee stated that an exorbitant entrance fee of S$100 per entry or S$2,000 every year would be imposed, and a system of exclusions for all Singaporeans. In addition, the casinos would not be allowed to extend credit to the local population.
