The government of Singapore is studying measures aimed at online and land-based gambling that will likely make its stringent system of societal protections even tougher.
Online gambling is not regulated industry in Singapore, a situation that Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran describes as a problem for the citizens of the city-state, and a governmental study is under way and expected to be concluded by the end of this year that will recommend a concerted effort by public agencies and community groups that will to bolster education and law enforcement.
“There are concerns within the community over the social risks associated with this highly-accessible form of gambling. The government shares these concerns.”
The city-state is conducting a similar study focused on the land-based industry, the aim being to develop a “psychological profile of local casino gamblers” around which legislation will be introduced targeting problem gambling.
Mr Iswaran said also that Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority is increasing its physical presence on the gaming floors of Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands to enable “more proactive enforcement” of a system of restrictions on domestic gambling that includes entry fees, the excluding of certain classes of low-income citizens and advertising and marketing prohibitions.
