A bill introduced in Singapore’s parliament proposes to outlaw all forms of remote and online gambling in the city-state.
If passed, the ban will entail some tough penalties too. Individuals caught gambling online or by phone will face fines up to US$4,000 and six months in prison. Those who facilitate remote gambling could be fined between $16,000 and $160,000 and face up to five years in jail. Those who invite or facilitate minors in remote gambling and who employ or engage minors in the provision of remote gambling services, such as the distribution of prize money, will face a penalty between $16,000 and $240,000 and up to six years in jail. Offshore operators providing services to Singapore-based gamblers can be fined up to $400,000 and jailed up to seven years.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said also that websites that “provide, facilitate or advertise remote gambling” may be blocked, and financial institutions will be instructed to block transfers to accounts linked to persons involved in remote gambling activities.
There will, however, be exemptions under certain conditions for non-profits that contribute to public, social or charitable causes and have a track record of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
“Exempted entities will be subject to strict operating conditions, in the areas of social safeguards, responsible gambling, gaming integrity and law and order,” the ministry said.
It’s expected also that Singapore Pools, a state-owned lottery and gambling operator, will be exempted. Singapore Pools is owned by Singapore Totalisator Board, a statutory agency under the Ministry of Finance. It currently markets three lottery games and is the sole legal bookmaker for football and motor sports betting.
