Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Wednesday (Jun 12) that authorities will step up enforcement against illegal gambling and strengthen public education for the duration of Euro 2024, the football tournament running from Jun 14 to Jul 141.
In a joint press release, the two ministries said they take a firm stance against illegal gambling because it does not come with social safeguards such as expenditure limits and responsible gambling measures1. They reiterated that Singapore Pools is the only operator licensed to provide lotteries and sports betting services in Singapore, and that gambling activities which are not licensed or exempted are not allowed in Singapore1.
"The police will take tough enforcement action against illegal gambling, including those who assist gambling syndicates."
The ministries cited enforcement figures from 2023: more than 300 raids against illegal gambling activities and more than 450 people arrested1. They said authorities have also worked with stakeholders to terminate phone numbers advertising illegal gambling and close bank accounts involved in the same1. The Gambling Regulatory Authority has blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites, over 260 bank accounts and more than S$36 million (US$27 million) in payments linked to illegal remote gambling services1.
During the last European Football Championship in 2021, 72 people in Singapore were arrested as part of an Interpol-led operation targeting illegal football gambling, and more than S$800,000 (US$591,423) in cash, as well as computers, laptops, mobile phones and other items, were seized, the Singapore Police Force said at the time1.
Penalties under Singapore law1:
| Offense | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Conducting unlawful gambling | Fine up to S$500,000 and jail up to seven years |
| Repeat unlawful gambling offense | Fine up to S$700,000 and jail up to 10 years |
| Gambling with an unlicensed service provider | Fine up to S$10,000, jail up to six months, or both |
Public education efforts by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will be strengthened during the tournament, with advertisements on TV, in newspapers, out-of-home screens, and digital and social media platforms warning about the harms of excessive football betting1. NCPC will also run a campaign warning of the risks of betting with illegal operators, with collaterals distributed at community events1.
What it means for players
Betting in Singapore is legal only through Singapore Pools, the sole licensed operator for lotteries and sports betting1. Anyone placing a bet with an unlicensed operator faces a fine of up to S$10,000, jail of up to six months, or both1. The authorities said gambling activities that are not licensed or exempted are not allowed in Singapore1. People who assist gambling syndicates are also named as a target of enforcement1.
The ministries said family members, friends and the community play an important role in encouraging those with gambling addiction to seek help1. Problem gamblers can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or use the webchat on NCPG's website1. NCPG chairman Sim Gim Guan said it is easy to get carried away with the placement of bets amidst the excitement of games, and urged everyone to exercise personal responsibility and encourage family members, neighbors and friends to keep a lookout for those who may be affected by problem gambling1.
What happens next
The tournament runs from Jun 14 to Jul 14, and the strengthened enforcement and public education campaigns cover its duration1. Mediacorp's Channel 5 will show four Euro 2024 group-stage matches for free and simulcast them on meWATCH: Spain vs Croatia, Denmark vs England, Turkiye vs Portugal and France vs Poland, all kicking off at 12am Singapore time1. No further dated enforcement actions were announced in the press release1.
Sources1 sources
- Authorities to clamp down on illegal, problem gambling during Euro 2024 - CNA, channelnewsasia.com
