Industry awaits implementation of Singapore online gambling ban

With Singapore’s Remote Gambling Act now approved by lawmakers, the industry awaits the implementation of the wide-ranging prohibitions on mobile and online gambling, which are expected to be rigorously enforced.

The new law criminalises all remote gambling activity not approved by government, and impacts every sector involved in remote gaming activity, including  operators, agents, brokers, service providers, advertising networks, payment processors, financial institutions, ISPs and even players – the only legislation other than that in the state of Washington, USA to specifically make playing online a criminal and punishable offence.

It appears at present that there will likely be just two exceptions to the draconian regulations – Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club – who stand a chance of receiving restricted licensing approval, although this has yet to be confirmed.

A government minister has already indicated in a public speech that any exemptions will require the company concerned to be a not-for-profit, charity-contributing organisation operating and based wholly in Singapore and within easy reach of the government in the event of any infractions.

Even then, such an exemption will not permit any form of casino-style games, experts point out.

The new law will effectively place Singapore out-of-bounds to foreign operators, and will likely be enforced through financial transaction restrictions, blacklisting and possibly ISP blocks.

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