Most online gambling will be prohibited in Singapore under a bill currently tabled in the country’s parliament.
The Remote Gambling Bill would set blocking measures for websites and payment transactions to support enforcement procedures that will criminalize all online remote gambling in the country. Gamblers could face up to $5,000 in fines and possible jail time with more severe penalties for online agents.
The restrictions apply as long as the gambling activity takes place in Singapore regardless of where the remote gambling operator is located.
Singapore gambling laws up to now have not specifically addressed online gambling. The Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking to correct that and protect underage gamblers.
“In developing this bill, the Ministry of Home Affairs studied the laws and practices of other jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong, Norway, and France,” the MHA said in a statement. “A six-week-long public consultation was held to seek feedback on the proposed framework. Consultations with grassroots, social services, and religious and industry groups were also conducted, and their views have been considered. The objectives for regulating remote gambling are to maintain law and order, and protect young persons and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by remote gambling.”
The bill allows for exceptions for Singapore-based, not-for-profit entities conducting charity events. There are published reports that there are also exceptions for horse racing, F1 racing and football betting, but not poker and other casino games.
The online gambling market in Singapore is estimated to be worth $416 million this year, up from $383 million last year, according to data from Global Betting and Gaming Consultancy. It estimated that more than 95 percent of revenues go to off-shore operators.
