Starting Monday, Sept. 21, 2024, patrons in Singapore who visit a casino more times than allowed by their family will commit a criminal offense, following the implementation of the second tranche of amendments to the Casino Control (Amendment) Act 2024. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the updated regulations criminalize breaches of family visit limits, tighten controls against casino-related crime, and future-proof the operational effectiveness of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).
Criminalizing Family Visit Limit Breaches
Under the updated legal framework, exceeding established family visit limits is now punishable by up to a year in jail, or a fine of up to $10,000, for a new offence. Prior to the Sept. 21 implementation, breaching these limits did not constitute a crime. MSF data indicates that over the last decade, there were between three and 14 applications a year for family visit limits, with about five individuals breaching those limits annually between 2010 and 2023. Families can apply for these restrictions as long as the family is affected by the gambler’s habits, such as neglecting his family responsibilities.
Stricter Enforcement Against Casino-Related Crime
The legislative updates introduce several provisions to target illegal gambling activities and deter cheating within casino premises. According to government announcements, withdrawing bets after the result of a game is known is now explicitly criminalized. Between 2010 and 2023, authorities investigated 10 individuals for withdrawing bets after outcomes were decided, previously forcing police to rely on alternative statutes like theft in dwelling. Additionally, the new law criminalizes the act of recording non-card games—such as gaming machines—using devices to capture play patterns and attempt cheating.
Exclusion orders also carry stricter enforcement. Individuals automatically excluded due to undischarged bankruptcy status, enrollment in social assistance programmes, or bans issued by families or the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can face prosecution if they know, or ought reasonably to know, their exclusion status. Previously, the authorities had to show that they are aware of their exclusion status.
Information Sharing and Operational Expansion
To combat financial crimes, casino operators must now share patron information with one another for the purposes of tackling money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. Furthermore, the amendments empower the GRA to regulate betting and lotteries inside casinos alongside existing games of chance. The GRA is also authorized to approve gaming software, including mobile deployments, provided such software remains strictly playable within casino premises, according to MHA and MSF statements.
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