It has been a time of exciting news in Singapore after social gambling was declared legal in the country. While it has not always been illegal, there has not been a fine line defining what is perceived as social gambling in Singapore and if it is really permitted. This means social gambling in Singapore has been operating in a gray area for years. With the new GRA, Gambling Regulatory Authority in Singapore replacing the existing casino regulatory authority (CRA), new social gambling regulations have been launched. The GRA will oversee all forms of gambling in Singapore and establish policies and gambling protocols for the casino industry moving forward.
This means that people who enjoy gambling in Singapore can do so socially since, according to the GRA’s new rules, inviting a friend over at home to play poker games or hosting a friendly mahjong match at a social gathering is officially legal. However, according to the Gambling Regulatory Authority, there are conditions regarding social gambling. For instance, gambling games must be played at home, not on commercial property like a physical gambling company. Besides, social gambling refers to physical occasions, not digital events; thus, it should not be a business-related activity. Now, let’s look at the expected changes in the land-based and online casinos in Singapore, according to GRA.
Land Based Casinos In Singapore: The Expected Changes
Over the years, Singapore has been working overtime, looking forward to upgrading its gambling rules and regulations. However, now gamblers in Singapore can sigh after the launching of new gambling rules in the country. The land-based casino operators and private businesses interested in hosting gambling events and activities such as lotteries and betting will have to get a license to perform these activities. Acquiring licenses is now a breeze since the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore will be responsible for the issuing of licenses to private gambling business operators.
Additionally, the GRA is mandated to investigate and look into any applicant who applies for the license. Aside from that, any gambler who uses a proxy will be liable for a fine, and the casinos in charge of such activity will also be held accountable. According to the Gambling Regulatory Authority, new class licenses will be introduced, which will help cover different forms of gambling in Singapore. For example, a casino does not have to be in the same class as a lottery meant to promote a business.
To sum it up, for casino operators to run their business with tranquility, whether it is the best online casino in Singapore or not, they will have to acquire a license to do so. This means any other form of gambling not in the social gambling category will require a permit to run smoothly. According to the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (MAH), any person who violates the set rules will face severe financial penalties from the Gambling Regulatory Authority, whether a minor infringement or not. No exceptionals.
Online Gambling In Singapore: GRA Rules And Regulations
Aside from social gambling being legalized in Singapore, online social gambling is yet to be legalized. This means people are not allowed to participate in any online social gambling activities in Singapore. Just like physical gambling, online gambling can’t see the light of the day in Singapore unless it is licensed or exempted. Even the top online casino in Singapore needs permitting to operate smoothly. The Gambling Regulatory Authority and the police are doing everything in their power to regulate the online gambling space since there are cases of people conducting illegal online gambling activities in Singapore.
Examples of the regulations include:
- Blocking of advertisements for the illegal SG online casino and gambling websites.
- Blocking the payment or services associated with illegal online gambling.
- Blocking any illegal online gambling websites.
Moreover, based on the GRA, the exemption and licensing of online gambling are different from that of physical and social gambling. For example, if someone hosts friends over at home to play gambling games or mahjong tournaments, using mobile devices to play the games will be considered an illegal activity or instead going against the law. Thus, using smartphones to play gambling games at an illegal online casino in Singapore or a social event is technically an infraction.
However, although online gambling is considered illegal in Singapore, the Singapore pools is an exemption because it is the only legalized and licensed online gambling service provider permitted to offer legal online gambling services to gamblers in Singapore. Therefore, if anyone chooses to place bets via a third party, like an online casino Singapore or online gambling websites, they will be breaching the law.
Additional Gambling Laws In Singapore: The Legal Age For Gambling
According to the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore, gamblers must be at least twenty-one years old and above to gamble; expect gamblers visiting the Singapore pools locations have to be at least 18 years old to access the Singapore Pools outlets and products. However, gamblers at the age of eighteen years and above are free to access any sports betting and lottery shops around them.
When it comes to social gambling, there is no minimum age required. Anyone can participate in social gambling games as long as they know what they are doing. According to Singapore legal advice, despite the legalization of social gambling, the Gambling Regulatory Authority, together with other bodies, will work hand in hand to ensure that social gambling and related gambling activities won’t get out of control.
Bottom Line
Although there’s a fine line between what’s considered illegal and legal gambling in Singapore, it is crucial to consider what the Gambling Regulatory Authority says about physical and online gambling in the country. Failure to follow the set gambling rules and regulations will result in a severe financial fine which should instead be avoided at all costs.