Singapore authorities are stepping up their crackdown on illegal and problem gambling as Germany's Euro 2024 tournament approaches. According to Channel NewsAsia, Singapore will increase regulation of the gaming industry during the month-long tournament from June 14 to July 14.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reiterated their strict policies against unlicensed gambling activities. They stressed that these activities lacked necessary social safeguards, such as spending limits and responsible gambling measures.
Singapore Pools remains the only licensed lottery and sports betting provider in the country. The two ministries emphasized that any gambling activities outside this framework are prohibited.
The two ministries said that "the police will take strict measures against illegal gambling operations, including those who assist gambling syndicates." In 2023 alone, the authorities conducted more than 300 raids and arrested more than 450 people. They also worked with stakeholders to disconnect phone numbers promoting illegal gambling and closed related bank accounts.
During the 2021 European Football Championship, a joint operation led by Interpol arrested 72 suspects of illegal football betting in Singapore. Authorities seized more than 800,000 Singapore dollars (about 548,500 euros) in cash, as well as numerous computers, laptops and mobile phones. The gambling regulator also blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites and more than 260 bank accounts, seizing more than 36 million Singapore dollars (about 24.68 million euros) in funds related to illegal online gambling services.
Public Awareness Campaign
In conjunction with Euro 2024, Singapore's National Panel on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will step up public education and awareness campaigns. The ad will be run widely on television, newspapers, digital platforms and social media to highlight the dangers of illegal football betting.
Legal Consequences and Community Support
Authorities strongly advise the public not to come into contact with illegal gambling operators and encourage responsible gambling behaviour. The MHA and MSF emphasize the key role of families and communities in supporting people with gambling addiction, calling on them to seek help through the National Problem Gambling Hotline or NCPG’s web chat service.
The legal penalties for operating illegal gambling operations in Singapore are very severe, with first-time offenders subject to fines of up to SGD 500,000 (approximately EUR 342,800) and up to seven years in prison. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including fines of up to SGD 700,000 (approximately EUR 479,900) and up to ten years in prison. Those found gambling with unlicensed service providers can be fined up to SGD 10,000 (approximately EUR 6,856), jailed for up to six months, or both.
