Operators Prepare for Legal Online Betting in Singapore

Legal online betting in Singapore might become reality as soon as next month, according to Asian online gambling news. 

Update 1: Singapore’s Online Gambling Ban Relaxed by Government 

Update 2:  First Singapore Online Betting Service Officially Launched

Two Singapore-based lottery operators – Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club – are running tests and preparing manuals for employees and customers in anticipation of a permit to offer online betting to residents. According to the Straits Times, online betting may be available in the first half of October. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that they received and are currently evaluating applications from the operators.

According to Singapore gambling news, almost all lottery games offered by Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club will become available online. However, for consumer protection reasons, the authorities will introduce some limits to bet amounts. Online gambling was prohibited in the Remote Gambling Act of 2014 with the purpose to prevent remote gambling “from being a source of crime or disorder.”

Nonprofit organization might be allowed to offer online betting in Singapore

Currently, online gambling in Singapore is considered an offence, punished by a “fine not exceeding $5,000 or [by] imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.” Operating illegal online gambling sites in Singapore could be fined between $20,000 and $200,000, 5 years of prison, or both. However, non-profit units of the Singapore gambling industry, such as the above mentioned, can be exempt from the act.