Addressing Singapore Pools app loophole enabling overseas users to bet via roaming data and implications for problem gambling regulation

Question:

Mr Shawn Loh: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is aware of reports that users can place bets on the Singapore Pools app while overseas when users connect through the roaming data of Singapore telcos, even though such users are required to be geographically in Singapore; and (b) whether the GRA deems it necessary to close this loophole to combat problem gambling.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is aware of reports of Singapore Pools app users who placed bets while overseas. GRA is looking into the matter.

2. That said, when travelling overseas, bettors may have access to a wide range of gambling products and disallowing them access to Singapore Pools may nudge them to gamble with other operators that have fewer safeguards against problem gambling. The issue therefore needs to be studied carefully.

3. The matter is being investigated.