Singapore has laws regarding what is considered social gambling.Starting today, it's no longer illegal to invite your friends over for an impromptu game of poker.
Over the last few years, Singapore has been working on upgrading its gambling laws.Since the beginning of this year, that effort has been strengthened and much more progress has been made.
In the past, hosting home poker and mahjong games that included gambling was not necessarily illegal, but instead operated in a gray area.The new Gambling Control Act (GCA) has put some doubts to rest.
Acceptance of social gambling
The world of gambling is constantly changing.While new options are born, mainly due to the development of online games, some are disappearing.Singapore's gambling laws do not have comprehensive legislation covering all gambling that is not clearly defined.
The government is trying to change this.There is now a new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to oversee all forms of gambling. The GRA replaces the traditional Casino Regulatory Authority and has greater autonomy to establish industry policies and protocols.
This includes developing a definition of legal social gambling.For example, under the GRA it is legal to host friendly Mahjong tournaments and poker games.
However, there are some conditions.Games must take place in someone's home, not in a commercial establishment.It must not be part of any business-related activity.
In Singapore, gamblers must be at least 21 years old, except for those visiting Singapore Pools locations.Lottery and sports betting outlets welcome anyone over the age of 18.However, for social gambling, there is no minimum age to participate unless national policy changes.
Social gambling refers to physical events, not digital ones.Online social gambling is still illegal. The GRA, Police, Department of Social and Family Development and the National Problem Gambling Council will work together to keep social gambling and other forms from getting out of hand.
Changes to land-based gambling
From now on, any private company wishing to host gambling such as gambling or lotteries will need a license. GRA is responsible for issuing licenses and investigates those who apply.
It also monitors whether these facilities are complying with the regulations.Among these, there is a prohibition of proxy betting (betting by proxy).This is a common, though not widespread, practice to circumvent controls that keep gambling addicts out of the game floor.
If a gambling addict uses a surrogate gambler, the surrogate will also face fines.Additionally, casinos can be held liable as well.
GRA plans to introduce a new class of licenses to cover different forms of gambling.Lotteries for business promotion need not be in the same class as casinos.However, gambling other than social gambling requires a license.Violators can expect severe penalties from the GRA, even for minor offenses.
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