Singapore  - Singapore is preparing to deal with casino-related offences, such as cheating and prostitution, ahead of the opening of two casino-anchored resorts, the first of which is due to open in December, media reports said Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng noted that newly opened casinos are often the subject of syndicate scams, and to combat such schemes, the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) would increase its staff to 116 by the end of the year from a current 75.

"As a new casino jurisdiction, organized crime groups may view Singapore as an easy target," Channel News Asia quoted Wong as saying.

"Other undesirable activities, such as prostitution, illegal money lending, cheating and forgery are also associated with casinos," he said Friday. "The CRA, working with the police, must build its investigative and enforcement capabilities to keep check of such illegal activities."

Singapore is preparing to open its first casinos after a 40-year ban on casino gambling was lifted in 2005. The first is to be the Marina Bay Sands with a convention centre, about 300 shops, a museum and three hotel towers.

The CRA plans to have satellite offices located in the casinos and conduct checks on key casino employees and junket operators.

The casinos would also be required to put in place an anti-money-laundering regime. (dpa)