Joint Efforts to Tackle Illegal Gambling and Problem Gambling During Euro 2024

1. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development will be stepping up efforts against illegal gambling and problem gambling during the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Championship 2024 ("Euro 2024") from 14 June to 14 July 2024.

Enforcement against Illegal Gambling

2. The Gambling Control Act (GCA) prohibits gambling activities in Singapore which are not licensed or exempted. Singapore Pools (Private) Limited is the only operator licensed to provide lotteries and sports betting services in Singapore.

3. We take a firm stance against illegal gambling, also because it does not come with social safeguards like expenditure limits and responsible gambling measures. Under the GCA, anyone who conducts illegal gambling shall be liable on conviction for a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment of up to seven years; and for repeat offenders, a fine of up to $700,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. Anyone who gambles with an illegal gambling operator shall be liable on conviction for a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

4. The Police will take tough enforcement action against illegal gambling, including those who assist gambling syndicates. In 2023, they conducted more than 300 raids against illegal gambling activities, and arrested more than 450 persons. They have also worked with stakeholders to terminate phone numbers that advertise illegal gambling activities, and close bank accounts involved in the same.

5. The Gambling Regulatory Authority has blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites, and over 260 bank accounts and more than $36 million in payments linked to illegal remote gambling services.

Public Education and Outreach Efforts

6. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) will be strengthening public education efforts on illegal gambling and problem gambling during this period.

7. Since 2006, the NCPG has rolled out public education campaigns during major football tournaments such as the World Cup and UEFA European Football Championship to caution the public about the harms of excessive football betting. For Euro 2024, NCPG will be placing advertisements on television ¹ , newspapers, out-of-home screens, as well as digital and social media platforms.

8. Mr Sim Gim Guan, Chairman of NCPG said: “It is easy to get carried away with the placement of bets amidst the excitement of games. We urge everyone to exercise personal responsibility and encourage family members, neighbours and friends to keep a lookout for those who may be affected by problem gambling.”

9. To complement this, the NCPC will be running a campaign to warn the public of the risks of betting with illegal operators. The campaign includes advertisements on television and social media, and digital banners ² .  Collaterals will also be distributed at community events.

Advisory on Illegal Gambling and Problem Gambling

10. We urge the public not to place bets with illegal gambling operators and to exercise responsibility when gambling. Family members, friends and the community also play an important role in encouraging those with gambling addiction to seek help. They may call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or use the webchat at www.ncpg.org.sg .

[1] The campaign video is available here:

https://www.ncpg.org.sg/resources/advertisements/ncpg-2022-world-cup-video

[2] The campaign poster is available here:

http://www.ncpc.org.sg/redcard