Singapore: Physical social gambling at home becomes legal, but online betting remains banned as new regulator is created
As of Monday, physical social gambling among family and friends has been legalized in Singapore. The new law was passed in March following MPs' concerns about newer forms of gambling brought about by digital technology.
The Gambling Control Act criminalizes proxy gambling in casinos and fruit machine rooms. The new GRA was established on Monday to regulate all forms of gambling. It will be an offense for under-age people to gamble in Singapore Pool’s outlets. The harshest penalties will apply to operators. According to the MHA, the culpability of operators is highest, followed by agents and then punters. This applies to all illegal gambling offenses, whether they take place online or in person. It is an open area with easy access and underaged people can enter without intention to bet.