It’s a change of regime on the regulatory scene in Singapore. The former Casino Regulatory Authority has been replaced by the new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which has oversight of all gambling activities in the island nation, not just the casinos, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
The purpose of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act, passed earlier this year, was to “allow the government to more effectively stay ahead of technological and gambling trends, respond more adequately to emerging gambling products, and take a more holistic and coherent approach to gambling policies.”
The act allows the GRA to issue licences for gambling services such as betting and lottery, and gambling in private establishments. This will assure the applicants are “fit and proper” to offer gambling services while holding them accountable for the conduct of gambling.
The new law outlaws gambling machine rooms and proxy betting at casinos but allows for social betting and gambling at home, but not online gambling at home.
The new agency separates gaming offenses into three categories: those committed by the player, agents and operators, with the latter considered the most serious.
Thee Singapore Police Force (SPF) will continue to enforce against illegal gambling activities.
