Singapore is seeking to maximise profits and minimise social costs with tighter rules and tougher fines for its two casino operators, along with new steps to curb problem gambling.

Amendments to the Casino Control Act cleared parliament late last year and now await formal passage into law, giving the operators of Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa little choice but to adapt to the new rules - including fines of up to 10 per cent of gaming revenue - and the costs of compliance.