Efforts to Tackle Illegal E-Sports Betting

Question:

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether an update can be provided on the Ministry’s efforts to curb illegal e-sports betting in Singapore.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) restricts access by persons in Singapore to illegal remote gambling services, including e-sports betting, by blocking illegal remote gambling websites. The SPF also blocks payment services, including bank accounts and credit card payments, linked to illegal remote gambling. As of 31 December 2024, we have blocked more than 3,800 illegal gambling websites and more than 145,000 illegal gambling transactions amounting to approximately $37 million. While the SPF has taken these steps, it has to be recognised that this is an extremely challenging situation. It is not easy to deal with.

2. The SPF takes enforcement action against illegal remote gambling, and those who assist gambling syndicates. In the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, SPF arrested more than 950 persons for their involvement in illegal remote gambling.

3. These enforcement actions are part of our strategy to divert gamblers away from illegal operators. Singapore Pools (Private) Limited is the only operator licensed to provide remote gambling services in Singapore, and is required to implement social safeguards to mitigate the harms caused.