Singapore to clampdown on internet gambling

In Singapore, the government is studying measures that can be taken against online gambling, and to restrict access to online gambling platforms outside the jurisdictional reach of the Singapore authorities, reports the publication Channel New Asia.

Officials are currently working with industry experts to define issues and learn from other jurisdictions in order to formulate a combative strategy, with a report and recommendations scheduled for submission before the end of 2013.

The anti-online gambling initiative was revealed by Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran at the Casino Regulatory Authority’s (CRA) work session Friday.

The minister said: “The global online gambling industry, estimated at US$400 billion in 2011, is expected to grow at an annual rate of nine percent, with the Asian market representing a significant growth opportunity.

“Online gambling is a new and potentially more addictive form of gambling, with greater access to the young and vulnerable. These risks will likely be magnified as the technology supporting online gambling further evolves.”

Iswaran, who is also a minister in the Prime Minister’s office, noted that there are concerns within the Singapore community over social risks associated with online gambling as it is highly accessible, and that the government shares these concerns.

The CRA was also told that crime around land casinos licensed by the Asian nation had dropped, and that since 2010, the casinos have detected and stopped more than 28,000 attempts by minors, and some 15,000 attempts by excluded persons, to enter the casinos.

The CRA will also work with the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre to examine the psychological profile of local casino gamblers to develop a more nuanced understanding of gaming behaviour, New Channel Asia notes.

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