Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore investigation outcomes and regulatory actions taken on excluded persons betting through Singapore Pools accounts

Question:

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs following the Auditor-General’s Office's finding that 79 Singapore Pools accounts held by excluded persons were not closed and 32 holders placed 1,358 online bets totalling $75,800 during exclusion periods (a) what are the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore’s investigation outcomes and regulatory actions; (b) which recurring data-matching, exception monitoring and independent-testing controls have been implemented; and (c) from when.

Answer:

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

1. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), which oversees the National Council on Problem Gambling, found that the lapses arose from system-related issues that resulted in some excluded persons not being flagged. These issues were rectified in February 2026.

2. Investigations into possible offences committed by the 32 excluded persons who engaged in remote gambling are ongoing. Individuals found liable will be dealt with. The remaining 47 excluded persons did not engage in remote gambling.

3. MSF has enhanced its system controls and validation processes, including implementing more rigorous testing for new system enhancements since June 2026. MSF will extend these enhancements to existing systems and operational processes.