While other Asian regions remain rigid in their approach to gambling, the island state of Singapore ensures a safe industry for their citizens. Their gambling regulation review is months away from ensuring clear legislation for all forms of gambling.
Singapore’s new gambling legislation had its second reading at the parliamentary meeting on 11 March 2022. The city-state’s gambling reform is two years in the making and the final reading played out with no objections. A new Gambling Control Bill replaces the Garden City’s outdated Casino Control Act of 2006.
The gambling reform includes a new all-encompassing regulatory entity called the Gambling Regulatory Authority and its related Act also moves into the final phase of approval. Following Friday’s successful reading, two last steps remain in establishing a fresh Singaporean gambling ordinance.
Authorities expect to complete the process during their summer this year and the president’s signature is the final mark required.
Clarity Equals Success
In the second and final reading of the new Gambling Control Bill, lawmakers focused on clarifying legal gambling activities and what constitutes illegal gambling for Singapore’s citizens. They addressed a loophole within the previous 2006 Act which caused a grey area regarding proxy gambling. Once the new bill comes into effect, it will irrevocably outlaw the act of proxy gambling in Singapore.
The bill specifically addresses the offence of proxy gambling, the penalties faced by offenders, and that casinos and slot halls must ensure the practice does not take place in their venues. Authorities believe the criminalisation of proxy gambling is of utmost necessity as the gambler can bypass system checks which would otherwise point them out as banned from gambling venues in the region.
They currently prohibit underaged gambling in Singapore, but with the new Bill in place, it becomes a criminal offence. The law applies to minors accessing retail venues, licensed online platforms, as well as offshore sites. In the event of someone aiding a minor to gamble, the enabler faces charges of up to six years imprisonment. The legal age for online gambling is 21 and at retail outlets in the island-state, players must be at least 18 years old.
The New Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore
Singapore’s government originally set out to establish the new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) by middle 2022. The authority comprises the culmination of expertise from various bodies in the government, including the Casino Regulatory Authority, the Gambling Regulatory Unit in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Singapore Totalisator Board, and the national police force.
GRA comprises 17 members appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs to represent all gambling segments and membership is valid for a three-year cycle. The regulator reserves the right to award and revoke licences as it deems fit and licence renewal applications are processed by the authority as well.
Singapore’s new gambling regulator may issue fines and enforce other legal steps against those who violate the criminal code. Proxy betting and other forms of illegal gambling practices face penalties of SGD500,000 and jail time of up to 7 years. Heavier fines of up to SGD700,000 and 10 years imprisonment await repeat offenders.
Catching Up with the Industry
Singapore is months away from establishing its updated gambling law reform and they are not alone in their endeavour to get regulation on par with the current gambling industry. The fast-paced online market forced many established jurisdictions to revisit and amend current legislation. Singapore may be one of the first to cross the finish line this year.
The last steps include a review with the Presidential Council for Minority Rights to verify that the bill does not infringe or discriminate against minority groups and the final stamp of approval is the President’s signature.
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