Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Age Group of Singaporeans Who Were Recently Arrested for Their Involvement in Illegal International Soccer Gaming, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) what is the age group of Singaporeans who were recently arrested for their involvement in illegal international soccer gaming; and (b) whether the current penalties for such offences are adequate to serve as a deterrent.

Answer:

1.   Police conducted a series of operations in June and July 2021 to combat illegal football gambling. 72 individuals aged between 18 and 63 years old were arrested for their suspected involvement in unlawful gambling activities. Investigations are ongoing.

2.   Currently, under the Remote Gambling Act, an operator of illegal remote gambling services is liable for a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $500,000, or to imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or to both. An agent who facilitates others to gamble illegally is liable for a fine of not less than $20,000 and not more than $200,000, or imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both.

3.   In April 2020, MHA announced a review of our gambling laws to ensure that our laws and regulatory approach towards gambling keep pace with the evolving gambling landscape. As part of the upcoming proposed amendments to gambling legislation, MHA is reviewing the penalties for illegal gambling, with a view to increasing them to strengthen deterrence. The outcome of our review will be announced at the end of this year, when we table amendments to the gambling legislation to Parliament for consideration.