Risk of illegal and offshore betting activities, tightening controls on gambling-related advertising and enforcement measures to minimise exposure to vulnerable groups

Questions:

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether illegal and offshore betting activities are expected to increase during the upcoming FIFA World Cup; and (b) what enhanced enforcement measures will be taken to curb such activities.

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will review and tighten controls on gambling-related advertising during major sporting events such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup, particularly on digital platforms; and (b) how such controls will minimise exposure to vulnerable groups, including youths.

Answer:

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

1. The Police will step up enforcement in anticipation of the increase in illegal football betting during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This includes blocking websites or advertisements that offer illegal gambling services, terminating local phone numbers th at advertise illegal gambling activities, and blocking payment services like bank accounts and credit cards linked to illegal gambling.

2. Singapore Pools is the only entity licensed to offer sports betting in Singapore.

3. Gambling advertisements related to unlicensed sports betting are prohibited. It is an offence under the Gambling Control Act (GCA) and a person who is found guilty would be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $20,000.

4. It is also an offence under the GCA to induce an underaged individual to gamble, including through advertising and promotional activities. An offender would be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $300,000 or to imprisonment of up to six years or both.