It would seem that Singapore is becoming more receptive to the idea of legalizing gaming. Physical social gambling between loved ones and close friends was made legal in Singapore on Monday, August 1. By law, gambling may only be done at home and not during any business or for the personal benefits of anybody who is not engaging in the gaming activity.
“This allowance for social gambling in homes will not be extended to online platforms, given the practical difficulties in establishing the relationship of individuals in the online context, whether an online gambling activity is really social gambling among family and friends.”
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Gambling will be illegal for people under the age of 21 as a result of further amendments to the new Gambling Control Act. An exception has been set for Singapore Pool’s shops, which set the minimum legal age at 18 years old. Those who take advantage of this loophole to undertake illicit gaming operations will be prosecuted by the authorities.
More severe punishments for illegal gambling are outlined in the Gambling Control Act, which was primarily enacted with the intention of discouraging criminal organizations. It is now against the law to gamble via proxies in gaming establishments like casinos and slot machine rooms.
Because of the high level of responsibility that operators have, they will face the greatest fines, which will be followed by agents and eventually punters. According to the MHA, this regulation will apply to all illicit gambling offenses, regardless of whether they are committed in person or online.
The New Gambling Regulator
With the passing of the Gambling Regulation Act, Singapore’s newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is now in charge of overseeing the country’s gambling industry. It will function as a consolidated regulator, which will provide it the ability to effectively keep ahead of technology and gaming trends, react more properly to developing gambling products, and adopt a more holistic and cohesive approach to gambling legislation.
When it comes to gambling-related damages, the GRA will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSFD) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will continue to crack down on unlawful gaming in the county.
GRA licenses are required for a variety of forms of gambling, including betting and lottery games, slot machine rooms, and private establishment gambling. The GRA is going to make sure that licensees are fit and suitable to provide gambling services, and it’s also going to hold licensees responsible for the way gaming is carried out.
