| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2 April 2008; 12 years ago |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Singapore |
| Headquarters | 460 Alexandra Road, #12-01, PSA Building, Singapore 119963 |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Website | http://www.cra.gov.sg |
Today, another Singapore newspaper, said the new rules should be in place by the end of the year. Singapore’s two casinos must abide by various regulations, like keeping strict records. Singapore considers tightening casino rules for customers to curb money laundering, terror financing The government agreed last year to extend licenses to operate casinos held by Genting Singapore.
The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (Abbreviation: CRA) is a statutory board of the Singapore Government.
The CRA is responsible for ensuring that the management and operation of the casinos in Singapore remains free from criminal influence or exploitation. It also ensures that gaming in a casino is conducted honestly, and that casinos do not cause harm to minors, vulnerable persons and society at large.[1]
Enforcement Actions[edit]
In 2017, the CRA imposed financial penalties of SGD$60,000 on the two casino operators for lapses in their security screening.
Marina Bay Sands was fined SGD$5,000 for failure to prevent one permanent resident from entering or remaining on its casino premises without a valid entry levy.
Resorts World Sentosa was fined SGD$55,000 for failures to prevent three minors and one excluded person gaining access to the casino floor.[2]
Under the Casino Control Act, an entry levy is chargeable to Singapore citizens or permanent residents wishing to enter the casino area of each resort.
All patrons must also be aged 21 or over in order to gamble legally in its casinos.
Future Gambling Regulatory Authority[edit]
On 3 April 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that a new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) will be formed by 2021 to control all gambling activities in Singapore, as opposed to having many agencies regulating it like the Casino Regulatory Authority (which only regulates casinos), the MHA’s Gambling Regulatory Unit (which controls fruit machines and remote gambling activities) and Tote Board (which manages Singapore Pools). The Singapore Police Force will continue enforcement against illegal gambling activities with the Ministry of Social and Family Development dealing with gambling issues. At the same time, current gambling laws will be reviewed and amended with the intention to regulate activities traditionally not seen as gambling, like mystery boxes.[3][4][5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Casino Control Act'. National Library Board. Archived from the original on 17 March 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2011.
- ^'GGRAsia – Singapore casino op fines down 64pct fiscal 2017: CRA'. www.ggrasia.com. Retrieved 2018-10-08.
- ^'Establishment of Gambling Regulatory Authority and Review of Gambling Laws'. Ministry of Home Affairs. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- ^Wong, Cara (3 April 2020). 'New centralised authority to oversee all gambling here'. The Straits Times. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- ^'New gambling regulator, legislation to be established by 2021'. CNA. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
External links[edit]
Where can we bet securely and which are the leading bookmakers in Singapore?
Online betting in Singapore is very popular, and there are a lot of gambling websites where players can register and bet. Sometimes, this could be confusing when it comes to choose the right bookmaker. Below, we have outlined some of the leading betting sites for Singaporean punters which we recommend:
Introduction
Singapore is known as a country for its strict rules and regulations, and when it comes to gambling online, things are no different. Legally, punters can only bet on one of two local, licensed sites that offer limited options. Bettors are increasingly turning to overseas websites, that provide far more variety, and often greater odds, despite the government’s attempts to block them.
Interesting Facts about Betting in Singapore
- 52% of adult Singaporeans admit to gambling at least once in the past year
- There are only two legal casinos in Singapore, and together they have combined annual revenue of over USD 6 billion
- Legal online gambling makes up just 1% of all gambling activities in the country
- The most common type of gambling is 4D
- Superstition plays a big part in gambling, for a lot of Singaporeans. If people drive past a car crash, they will write down the number plate, and use the numbers for 4D
- It is also common for people from Singapore to travel to Malaysia to gamble there, where there is a larger market
Gambling Legislation and LawsSingapore is known to be a heavily-regulated state, and its gambling laws are no different. While some forms of gambling are legal, others are not, and punishments can be heavy. There are several different laws that related to various forms of land-based betting. Through these laws, casinos, sports betting, horse racing and lotteries are legal, but strictly regulated. These regulations are not just on the punter, but also on the bookies – to be licensed, they must prove that their establishment is operating honestly and fairly, and free of any criminal influence. The Remote Gambling Act has enabled Singapore to block all unlicensed betting sites from targeting the population. This law also means that certain gambling activities on sites are legal, provided that the site is licensed by the Singapore government. Punters can access sports bets, horse racing and lotteries online, but cannot legally play at online casinos. |
Top Online Betting Sites in Singapore
Even though online gambling is widely restricted in Singapore, there are ways to get around this if punters really want to. VPNs allow users to access betting sites that have been geo-blocked, providing them with a far greater variety of betting options. Some of the best betting sites that accept Singaporean customers are:
1xBet |
22Bet |
BetWinner |
Competition between Operators
Legally, there is a monopoly when it comes to online gambling in Singapore. The only two sites that are licensed to offer their services to punters within the country are Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club. However, this does not stop bettors from accessing the international market, where there is much more variety and opportunity to seek out the best site according to preference.
These monopolies also exist when it comes to land-based betting – Singapore Pools is the only organization that accepts football bets (the only legal form of sports betting), and Singapore Turf Club has a monopoly on horse racing bets.
Bonuses from Singaporean BookmakersSome many different bonuses and promotions can be gained from Singapore bookmakers if punters choose to opt into them. When punters first sign up to a betting site, they will usually be offered a welcome bonus. Punters should be aware that although these bonuses can appear very enticing, they often come with strict turnover requirements, which can severely limit what you can actually withdraw. For the existing customers, there are also a wide variety of bonuses and promotions, to encourage continued use of the site. These are often related to a specific sporting event or casino game, so there is something for everyone. These bonuses can also change semi-regularly, so punters need to check the promotions page of the betting site frequently, to make sure they are not actually missing out on anything new that might appeal to them. |
Betting Features and Options in Singaporean Bookmakers
There are a number of different features on gambling sites, designed to make the experience as enjoyable as possible and to allow bookmakers to stand out in a competitive market. Some of the most common and useful betting features from Singaporean bookmakers include:
Cash-Out Option |
Bet Builder |
Live Betting |
Live Streaming |
Available Payment Methods
There are a number of different payment methods available for punters to choose from so that they can gamble in a way that is convenient for them. Most sites offer several various e-wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, Paypal, AsiaPay and Trustly. The majority of these methods can be used to deposit and withdraw money, and are mostly free (although you should check your specific site just to be sure). Many bookmakers will also accept bank cards such as Visa and MasterCard. However, the Singaporean gambling regulations mean that banks have the right to block payments going to and from illegal gambling sites. While this is still offered on many overseas sites, punters may wish to choose a less risky option.
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD) as their form of currency. This may be accepted on some gambling sites, while others may require punters to convert their deposits into a different currency, such as USD, or EUR. Many betting sites will offer these services but be warned that they often charge very high conversion rates.
Mobile Betting in Singapore
Because of the nature of the law surrounding gambling in Singapore, there are many gambling apps that are banned from being offered in Singaporean app stores. This can make it difficult for punters to gamble wherever and whenever they want, restricting the already-minimal online gambling market.
Despite this, many bookmakers offer a mobile version of the desktop site. This allows users to play on their phones or mobile devices with ease, and it does not have to be downloaded. Although it is not as convenient as an app, it is still a handy way to get around the ban.
Online Casinos
There are only two legally-licensed online gambling sites in Singapore – Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club. They offer a severely restricted selection, and punters continue to seek these services elsewhere. Many online bookmakers will not accept Singaporean customers due to the legalities, but there are still some that open their online casinos. Punters can always find a full range of casino games, such as slots, card games, live casinos and roulette to play on through international sites. But it should be mentioned that they must always exercise caution – due to the fact that overseas sites are illegal, they have no legal support if anything goes wrong. Bettors should only ever use trusted, reputable sites.
Leading Sports for Betting in Singapore
Sports betting makes up a significant part of gambling in Singapore, both online and offline. The most popular sports to bet on within the country are:
- Football
The most popular sport in the world is Football, and Singapore is not exempt from interest. Although the country does not perform as well as some others at a global level, there is still a large amount of support. The Singaporean team does well in the AFF, an Asian tournament that is covered by many betting sites, including popular Malaysian ones. Punters, of course, can also bet extensively on other football tournaments on any betting site. - Basketball
Basketball is incredibly popular within Singapore, and there is always massive support for the national team. International gambling sites will often offer coverage of tournaments that the team plays in, allowing patriotic punters to show their support. For those who really love the game, betting sites also provide extensive coverage of other championships, such as the NBA, and basketball in the Summer Olympics. - Cricket
Known as the gentleman game, cricket is exceptionally popular in Singapore. The country excels at the sport, and the national team currently sits within the ICC World Cricket League Division 3, which is the highest division. Singaporeans can bet on their side in several different championships, the most popular being the annual Stan Nagaiah Trophy, where they compete against Malaysia. If punters still want more cricket to bet on, sites offer wide global coverage of the sport. - Rugby
Rugby has received relatively recent popularity in Singapore compared to some of the other sports but is one of the biggest games today. Betting increases dramatically during the Rugby World Cup. This is covered extensively on betting sites, offering a range of different betting options to suit all punters. - Cycling
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular within Singapore, not just as a competitive sport, but as a hobby and also as a means of getting around. This drives increased interest in the sport, and competitions such as the Tour de France see significant amounts of money gambled on them. Cycling in the Summer Olympics is also popular to bet on.
Singapore Casino Rules And Regulations Rules And Regulations
The Profile of a Singaporean Bettor
Not a lot is known about the average Singaporean bettor, as the government is yet to collect this kind of information. Singaporean gamblers are almost exclusively gambling in physical establishments according to statistics; however, this is because the majority of online gambling is very often done illegally, on international sites. There is no way of knowing how big this population is, as of right now.
One of the positives that have been noted about Singaporean gamblers is that although the number of players is increasing, the rate of problem gambling is not. On average, Singaporeans spend $891 per person on gambling.
FAQ
Yes, online betting is legal in Singapore, but only if it is conducted through a local, licensed site (Singapore Pools or Singapore Turf Club). Every other form of online gambling is illegal.
How to choose the best international gambling site?
If a punter is fully aware of the risks they are taking by gambling illegally, they should know that there are a few things to consider, to keep as safe as possible. Always gamble on a site that is known to be reliable and reputable. This reduces the chances of anything going wrong. Punters should also choose a website that can cater to their preferences – offers the kinds of betting they are interested in, has a wide variety of markets, and excellent bonuses and promotions.
Are there any taxes for Singaporean players on their winnings?
No, winnings from any form of gambling are not taxed in Singapore.
Yes, if you are playing on one of the Singaporean licensed sites, you will be able to bet using SGD. If you are playing on an international site, there are a number that does accept SGD, but there are also a few that do not.
Are there any betting restrictions on Singaporean players?
Singapore Casino Rules And Regulations For Real
Yes, there are a number of restrictions. Players can only gamble legally on a handful of licensed sites, and there are strong punishments for those who are found to be breaking the law. These local sites are very limited in terms of the types of gambling that they offer, and this can be a huge restriction for many players.
Our Verdict
Singapore Casino Rules And Regulations Act
Although online gambling is largely illegal in Singapore, this does not stop punters from accessing international sites through VPNs. While this is risky, the practice does not appear to be going away, in fact, it is likely to be increasing. Punters should exercise caution when gambling online, as the punishments are known to be strict. Although for many, the risk is worth the greater variety and opportunities to win big.
Singapore Casino Rules And Regulations 2019
It is unlikely that the government will change its stance on online gambling any time soon, as the state is known to be strict in several areas. Alternatively, the state should increase local gambling opportunities online, in an attempt to redirect the flow of interest, and get more people playing on licensed sites.