Days after reports surfaced that Singapore had blocked over 3,800 illegal gambling websites and 145,000 gambling transactions involving the public, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said that while the efforts have made some progress, they are not foolproof.

He explained, “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.” He also emphasised the need for public cooperation in reporting illegal gambling activities to the authorities.

As of December 31, 2024, the blocked websites and transactions amounted to approximately SGD 37 million (USD 27 million), confirmed the minister. Shanmugam was responding to a parliamentary question from Yio Chu Kang MP Yip Hon Weng about the number of illegal gambling websites and apps currently blocked in Singapore.

Since January 1, 2024, the Singapore Police Force has been tasked with overseeing the blocking of illegal gambling websites, a responsibility previously managed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore.

Legal framework and new amendments

The fight against illegal gambling is governed by the Gambling Control Act, which came into effect in August 2022. In addition, provisions under the Casino Control (Amendment) Act 2024—passed in September 2024—took effect on October 30.

The amendments introduced stricter regulations for Singapore’s two casinos, including making it illegal to withdraw bets after results have been announced and mandating the recording of games on the premises. It also criminalised breaching family-imposed visit limits, an issue previously not considered an offence. Anyone found guilty of going over the visitation limits could be fined up to SGD 10,000 (USD 7,400) or imprisoned for up to a year.

From 2010 to 2023, about five instances of violations of the family visitation restrictions were reported each year.

Measures to support problem gamblers

Shanmugam highlighted the government’s efforts to address problem gambling. Social Service Agencies are funded to provide counseling and support groups, and problem gamblers are encouraged to seek help through resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline. He added, “Families of problem gamblers should encourage them to seek assistance by calling the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or visiting www.ncpg.org.sg.”

Responding to a suggestion of allowing families to block problem gamblers’ bank accounts, the minister said, “Regarding the Member’s suggestion, there are no plans for now to allow families to request the blocking of bank accounts used by problem gamblers. 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.”

Despite these measures, illegal gambling persists due to the ease with which operators can create new websites. Minister Shanmugam reiterated the importance of public cooperation in reporting illegal activities, emphasising the government’s commitment to mitigating the issue and safeguarding Singapore’s social fabric.