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Singapore to restrict remote gambling activities
By Imelda Saad POSTED: 28 Nov 2013 09:45
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...ct/902454.html

SINGAPORE: Singapore authorities are moving to restrict remote gambling activities in the country.

Remote gambling refers to gambling via the internet or any communication device, such as a smart phone.

Announcing this on Thursday, Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran said remote gambling will be made illegal unless there are specific exemptions.

Speaking to local and international industry players at a symposium on casino regulation and crime, Mr Iswaran said there will be new laws to give enforcement agencies the powers to act against facilitators, intermediaries and providers of remote gambling services.

Measures will be introduced to block access to gambling websites, block payments to remote gambling operators, and prohibit advertisements promoting remote gambling.

Associate Professor Hannah Lim from Nanyang Business School said: "I think it's more comprehensive than any other jurisdiction has ever attempted. Many jurisdictions have started off at attempting to ban and some still do.

"Many states in the US still do ban internet gambling but they've never backed it up with technical measures. And if you don't back it up with technical measure, it's not going to be effective.

While such measures may not be foolproof, Mr Iswaran said they will impede access to remote gambling platforms and send a clear signal on the regulatory stance in Singapore.

"The signal in terms of our stance is very clear and I think potential operators and those who are minded to access our market will then pay heed to these provisions," he said.

However, there may be some exemptions to allow a limited form of remote gambling through a strictly-regulated authorised entity.

Mr Iswaran said authorities here will consider similar provisions carefully.

"We are not starting on the basis that there will definitely be a provision but if at all there is to be one, we have to be very satisfied and our officials and authorities need to be convinced that first, it will be very tightly controlled that is in terms of who can get access, how it will be managed, the integrity of the system and of course for a very, very prescribed narrow range of products," he said.

Singapore currently does not have any specific laws to deal with remote gambling, and there are concerns over its social impact.

Assoc Prof Lim said: "A lot of the internet gambling websites that are unregulated, they have odds that are just practically fraudulent and we have to protect our own community."

Mr Iswaran said there is concern over remote gambling for several reasons.

For one, it's ubiquitous and easily accessible.

An online survey by the Home Affairs Ministry of some 1,000 internet users showed that almost three in 10 had gambled remotely at least once in the past year. Among them, 58 per cent are male.

They are also relatively young - 64 per cent of them are between the ages of 25 and 44.

And 75 per cent said they spent up to two hours a week on remote gambling.

The nature and design of the games, especially poker and casino-type games, also lend themselves to repetitive play and addictive behaviour.

Authorities added that remote gambling operations can also become a source or conduit of funds for other illegal activities and syndicated crime.

Mr Iswaran said: "These are very much in jurisdictions beyond Singapore. The integrity of the system, the risks they pose are well beyond our ability to control and therefore we need to make sure that this is tightly controlled in the Singapore context."

Separately, the National Council of Problem Gambling together with the Social and Family Development Ministry and Voluntary Welfare Organisations will step up its public education efforts on the ills of games that simulate gambling.

Mr Iswaran said: "The distinction between social gaming and online gambling is blurring, with some games on social media platforms closely modelled on casino-style games. These seemingly harmless games can desensitise youths to the dangers and ills of gambling."

It is estimated that the remote gambling market in Singapore could be worth some US$300 million, and it is expected to grow by 6 to 7 per cent annually.

Nothing is cast in stone yet. There will be a public consultation exercise over the next few weeks to get stakeholders to weigh in on the issue.

The new laws are expected to be in place by early next year.

- CNA/fa