Singapore Moves Toward Unified Gambling Regulation

Singapore is making significant progress in its efforts to unify the regulation of its gambling industry. Parliament recently reviewed new legislation aimed at consolidating oversight under a single authority, streamlining governance across all forms of gambling.

A Step Toward Industry Reform

Singapore has been working for years to modernize its gambling laws. In 2020, the government announced plans to establish a new regulatory body—the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)—to oversee the entire gambling sector. Initially set for a 2021 launch, the plan was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as national priorities shifted.

Despite the delay, lawmakers continued to move forward. Last month, they approved a revised tax structure for casinos, increasing the rate from 15% to 18% on gross gaming revenue up to SG$3.1 billion (US$2.3 billion), with a higher rate of 22% for revenue beyond that threshold.

Now, with pandemic concerns easing, momentum has returned. Parliament has begun its first reading of the Gambling Control Bill and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Bill, setting the stage for the GRA’s formation.

One Authority to Oversee All Gambling

Currently, the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) supervises Singapore’s two integrated resorts. Other gambling forms—like betting and lotteries—are governed separately. The new GRA would centralize oversight, replacing outdated laws including the Betting Act, Common Gaming Houses Act, Private Lotteries Act, and Remote Gambling Act.

However, new rules specific to casinos aren’t included in the GRA legislation. The Ministry of Home Affairs says those changes will come through a separate Casino Control (Amendment) Bill, with no timeline yet announced.

Proxy Betting to Become a Criminal Offense

Once the Gambling Control Bill is enacted—possibly by the end of summer—proxy betting will become illegal. This means no one, even friends or family, can place wagers on behalf of someone else.

Authorities say this measure is meant to strengthen financial safeguards and prevent money laundering, in line with standards from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Proxy betting also undermines responsible gambling policies, such as self-exclusion or family-imposed restrictions. Previously, it was not a criminal offense, but the new law will change that, with penalties still being determined.

Stricter Rules on Underage Gambling

The law also criminalizes underage entry into gambling venues. The legal age remains unchanged—21 years old for casinos and 18 years old for Singapore Pools betting outlets.