SINGAPORE – Over 3,800 illegal gambling websites have been blocked by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as they are likely to target or be frequently visited by those in Singapore.
More than 145,000 illegal gambling transactions involving the Singapore public, amounting to approximately $37 million, had also been blocked as of Dec 31, 2024.
“These blocking measures have impeded access to illegal online gambling to some extent. However, this approach is clearly not foolproof as illegal operators can easily create new websites, and we do not have the ability to know of every gambling website,” said Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, giving the figures on Jan 8.
He was responding to a parliamentary question from Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) about the number of illegal gambling websites and apps that are currently blocked and banned in Singapore.
In his written reply, Mr Shanmugam encouraged the public to report to the police illegal gambling websites, apps, advertisements and bank accounts used by these illegal gambling operators.
He also said MHA had no plans at the moment to allow families of problem gamblers to request the blocking of their bank accounts – a suggestion Mr Yip raised.
“Our view is that our current measures are adequate, as the probable pathological and problem gambling rate has remained low and stable at about one per cent,” said the minister.
Mr Shanmugam said the Government has put in place various measures to help problem gamblers, such as funding social service agencies to provide counselling and run support groups.
In September 2024, the Casino Control (Amendment) Bill was passed, making it mandatory for gamblers at Singapore’s two casinos to abide by new laws regarding the withdrawal of bets after results have been announced, and the recording of games on the premises.
Another issue addressed by the Bill was the breaching of a family visit limit, when patrons visit a casino more times than allowed by their family. It was previously not a crime to do so.
From 2010 to 2023, about five people breached their family visit limits annually.
Anyone who exceeds the limit can be jailed for up to a year, or fined up to $10,000 for a new offence.
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