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Gambling in Singapore Faces Large Scale Reform in 2022
By Shane Addinall Feb 20, 2022 IndustryWith a focused blanket regulatory authority, Singapore sets out to manage their state’s gambling industry more efficiently. One regulatory body will replace four existing bodies to streamline gambling regulation.Singapore is one step closer to establishing a single regulator for all forms of gambling. On February 14, the country’s gambling reform bill had its first parliamentary reading. Lawmakers aim for a streamlined regulatory framework that addresses all traditional and non-traditional forms of gambling in the state.
The updated Gambling Control Bill is an amendment to the Casino Control Act of 2006 and addresses details on licensing regimes and modern forms of gambling. Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority is up for a name change once the bill passes into law and its responsibilities will change as well.
If all goes according to plan, the new regulations and regulatory authority will come into effect around the second and third quarters of 2022.
One Regulator for All
The nation’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced in 2020 that a gambling legislation reform was imminent. Delivering on their promise, a detailed bill received airtime at the Valentine’s Day parliament gathering. Nineteen carefully considered points speak of how the government will create all-encompassing gambling legislation and pull the fragmented regulatory authorities into a unified body.
The first changes are the name, make-up, and responsibility of the existing Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA). Following the finalisation of the bill, this statutory board will function as the state’s sole regulator, under the name – Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Its responsibilities comprise that which Singapore police, Ministry of Home Affairs, the Totalisator Board for gambling services, and other government agencies currently manage in their respective capacities.
All gambling licences will pass through the GRA, which has the authority to approve, distribute, revoke, and renew these. GRA may issue fines to offenders of the newly established Gambling Control Act. Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs plans to appoint 17 members to head the GRA and these members will serve in their given position for a maximum period of three years.
Current and Effective Legislation
Singapore aims for a safe gambling landscape in their state and the bill points out that staying abreast of technology and moving with trends is paramount. The new regulator plans to clamp down on unlawful gambling and regulate non-casino gambling efficiently. Offenders face the possibility of a hefty fine and incarceration of 7 years. Repeat offenders could face imprisonment of up to 10 years.
A technology-neutral definition of gambling will replace the existing definition of gambling to include all current and emerging gambling products. In conjunction with the GC Bill, the Betting Act, Common Gaming Houses Act, Private Lotteries Act, and Remote Gambling Act will stipulate all gambling legislation in Singapore. Licensing protocols and varying classes of licensing are part of the new GC Bill.
Future plans include the release of a Casino Control (Amendment) Bill with the purpose of allowing the GRA to stay ahead of developing trends and providing relevant regulations in new areas of the industry.
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