Online Gambling Regulations in Singapore
Online gambling regulations in Singapore have just been updated as of 1st August 2022. With the new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) in place, this division replacing the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) is now responsible for overseeing all forms of gambling and holds more power to enact social safeguards for Singaporeans and establish protocols or policies for the industry.
Different Forms of Gambling in Singapore
In Singapore, gambling can be categorized in several different forms such as:
Betting
BettingThis includes placing or accepting a bet where real money or a money’s worth is at stake depending on the outcome of the event.
Example:Betting money on games such as horse racing, mahjong, or casino table games.
Gaming
GamingEncompassing games with an element of chance, the player has a chance of winning an item of value.
Example:Playing slot machines, fruit machines, or jackpot machines at casinos and country clubs.
Lotteries
LotteriesPaying money to participate in competitions that depend on the element of chance for the chance of prizes.
Example:Buying lotteries such as 4D, Toto, and participating in raffles or lucky draws.
Previously, the regulations for other forms of gambling such as online gambling and social gambling were unclear. Over the last few years, the Government of Singapore has been trying to upgrade its gambling laws. However, the new Gambling Control Bill (GCA) and GRA Act has clarified its position on these issues.
GRA Act and GC Act
Passed in Parliament on 11th March 2022, both the GRA Act and GCA Act starts to take effect on the 1stAugust 2022. The GRA Act expands on the CRA to regulate Singapore’s gambling landscape, allowing the government to stay ahead of new gambling and technological trends by taking a more holistic approach. Working with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the GRA aims to protect Singaporeans from the harms of gambling.
Since the gambling laws are updated and harmonized under the GC Act, other previous regulations such as the Common Gaming Houses Act, The Betting Act, Remote Gambling Act, and private Lotteries Act are repealed. This also means that the GRA will be awarding new gaming operator licenses to those who provide gambling services such as lottery, betting, gaming machine rooms, and gambling in private establishments.
What Does The GC Act Mean For Gambling in Singapore?
Based on the Singaporean Government, the general approach is that gambling is prohibited unless by one of the licensed operators be it physically or online, reflecting the opinion that gambling is discouraged unless it is in a safe and controlled environment.
Besides the two land-based casinos: Marina Bay Sands Casino and Resorts World Sentosa Casino, other legal gambling options include those offered by Singapore Pools such as sports betting such as horse racing, moto GP, or football, and lotteries like Singapore Big Sweep, 4D, and Toto.
The GC Act has also legalized social gambling where the gambling must be conducted in person in an individual’s home with participants that are either friends or family. In these cases, no participant should be obtaining any benefit other than winning such as receiving payment. A good example would be having friends and family who are playing mahjong together on Chinese New Year.
This requirement that the gambling activity must be physically conducted in an individual’s home also means that online gambling activities are considered illegal based on the reasoning that it can be difficult to determine if the participants on the online platform truly know each other.
Legalities of Gambling Activities in Singapore
Gambling is only permitted with any licensed operator. Otherwise, any other gambling activity besides physical social gambling is illegal. Here are some examples of the legalities of gambling activities in Singapore:
1. Gambling with licensed casinos in Singapore such as Marina Bay Sands Casino and Resort World Sentosa Casino
Legality
Both these casinos are licensed operators and are therefore, allowed to operate casinos legally in Singapore.
Penalty
No
2. Placing wagers with bookmakers. These are individuals who set odds, accept and place bets, and pay out winnings.
Legality
Bets that are placed with licensed bookmakers such as Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club are legal.
Otherwise, bets placed with unlicensed “bookies” or private bookmakers are considered illegal.
Penalty
If convicted for illegal gambling, gamblers are liable up to a maximum fine of SGD 10,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
3. An underage player gambles, enters gambling areas, or opens gambling accounts.
Legality
As long as the individual is underaged, gambling is illegal.
Penalty
If convicted, there is a maximum fine of SGD 1,500.
4. A player gambles with, induces gambling with, or employs an underaged person to engage with any gambling activity.
Legality
No person should involve minors in gambling activity except for physical social gambling.
Penalty
If convicted, the maximum fine is SGD 300,000, up to 6 years prison, or both.
5. The owner or occupier of a space allows it to be used for unlawful gambling. Organizing, managing, assisting in operations, or providing financing for an unlawful gambling space.
Legality
Only licensed operators are allowed to conduct gambling activities.
Penalty
If convicted, the maximum fine is SGD 500,000 and imprisonment up to 7 years. Repeat offenders are liable to a maximum fine of SGD 700,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years.
6. Found or caught entering or leaving an unlawful gambling space.
Legality
No one should be in an unlawful gambling space.
Penalty
If convicted, the maximum fine is SGD 10,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
Legalities of Gambling Activities in Singapore
Gambling is only permitted with any licensed operator. Otherwise, any other gambling activity besides physical social gambling is illegal. Here are some examples of the legalities of gambling activities in Singapore:
Illegal online gambling can be reported by witnesses even if they choose to remain anonymous at the police website known as the I-Witness portal where extra information can be provided regarding the criminal activity. To ensure that the gambling activities are legal, there are a few simple rules to follow:
- During social gambling with friends and family members, do it in person at someone’s home.
- Besides social gambling, all other gambling activities should only be with licensed operators. It is up to the players to determine if the service providers are legal. To be safe, place wagers only with official sources.
- The minimum age for gambling is 21 years old except for at physical Singapore Pools’ outlets where it is 18 years old.
- Gambling operators should set clear rules on the type of activities that can and cannot be done. Since the Singaporean government holds operators responsible, it is important to conduct periodic checks and prevent unlawful activities from happening.
What Does The GC Act Mean For Gambling in Singapore?
Online gambling operated by unlicensed operators is also illegal in Singapore. The government of Singapore has stated that the ease of conducting illegal gambling activities online means that they will be paying more attention to regulate the online gambling space. This means that they will be taking measures such as blocking illegal online gambling sites, online payment services linked to illegal gambling, and advertisements for unlicensed sites. The SPF will also be enforcing the regulations to stop illegal online gambling activities.
Players should note that the exemption of social gambling does not apply to online games or remote gambling activities. This means if you have friends or family at home but are gambling together online, it is technically classified as an illegal gambling activity.
For licensed online gambling operators, they also need to follow regulations such as admitting players that are at least 18 years old. This means that they are responsible for entry checks and entry bans as operators are held accountable for any offenses from players as well.
Conclusion
With the new regulations in place, the Government of Singapore has clarified their position on the legalities of many forms of gambling that were once unclear. All parties are encouraged to follow the updated rules as the potential penalties can be harsh. When it comes to online gambling regulations in Singapore, players are advised to stick to licensed and legitimate operators.
