Today (14 February), Singapore’s parliament has passed the first readings of bills aimed at reforming land-based gambling in the country and establishing a new regulatory body. The proposed legislation, known as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act 2022, seeks to rename the existing Casino Regulatory Authority as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore. This comprehensive reform plan, initially announced by the Minister of Home Affairs in April 2020, aims to consolidate various gambling regulatory bodies under a single authority.
Renaming and Composition of the Regulatory Authority:
The proposed legislation entails renaming the existing Casino Regulatory Authority to the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore. The new regulatory body would consist of up to 17 members, appointed by the Minister of Home Affairs, serving three-year terms. These members would be responsible for overseeing the regulatory framework and operations of the gambling industry in Singapore.
Amendments to the Casino Control Act:
The bill also includes amendments to the 2006 Casino Control Act, primarily redefining key terms such as “authorised person” and “authority.” Additionally, several minor amendments are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the regulatory framework. These changes empower the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore to issue, renew, and revoke licenses and impose fines for criminal conduct that contravenes the Gambling Control Act 2022.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Upon its passage, the bill is expected to be enforced from mid-2022. It introduces stricter penalties for engaging in or facilitating illegal gambling services, including proxy betting. Offenders may face fines of up to SGD 500,000 and prison terms of up to seven years. Repeat offenders could be fined up to SGD 700,000 and face imprisonment for up to 10 years. The proposed legislation also mandates licensees to prevent excluded and underage individuals from participating in gambling activities.
Licensing and Regulation of Various Gambling Activities:
The new regulatory framework will introduce licenses for different types of gambling activities, including gaming machines, specific betting operations, lotteries, and gambling facilities. License applicants will be required to pay application or renewal fees, the specifics of which are yet to be disclosed. Licensees will have the responsibility of blocking excluded and underage individuals from entering gambling establishments and participating in gambling activities.
In a significant step towards gambling reform, Singapore’s parliament has passed the first readings of bills that seek to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore and amend the existing Casino Control Act. If enacted, these reforms will streamline the regulatory landscape, centralize oversight, and introduce stricter penalties for illegal gambling activities. The bills are scheduled for a second reading following the conclusion of the country’s budget proceedings for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Furthermore, recent legislation, such as the Gambling Duties Act 2022, indicates the government’s commitment to optimizing the gambling industry’s operations and revenue generation.