Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions. Singapore, known for its strict regulations, has laws to govern gambling activities inside its borders.
Gambling in Singapore is prevalent in many forms. Common forms of gambling include casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and online gambling. While it may be fun to gamble, one can get addicted to it and thus get adversely affected by it. Such activities can be a nuisance to the society as well. So to put a curb on such issues, the Singaporean government regulates the activities through specific laws and licensing regulations.
However, it isn't always illegal to gamble. And it is why one must understand when is gambling legal and when it isn't in Singapore.
The Singaporean government's two integrated resort casinos in Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa are places where one can gamble legally in Singapore. However, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents have to pay an entry levy and are subject to strict regulations to discourage frequent gambling urges.
Singapore's official national lottery, the Singapore Pools, is another way to gamble legally in Singapore. One can place bets on horse racing legally through the Singaporean Turf Club. Through these three options, you can gamble without getting in trouble using slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, poker rooms, lotteries, horse race betting and sports betting.
In Singapore, private gambling amongst friends is not illegal. If you gather as a group of friends and gamble on any kind of game, you are not breaking the law at all. The key distinction is whether gambling is social. If there is any commercial or business element to the game, such as a rake fee, the game would immediately become illegal.
So as long as you don't make a business out of it, feel free to gamble happily with your friends in the privacy of your own home.
Operating a private gambling den and supporting or encouraging the public to participate in illegal gambling can be sentenced to up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. Those who also support carrying out public lotteries may have to pay a fine of up to $200,000 and stay in jail for up to 5 years. Even the act of buying a ticket to a public lottery which is considered illegal could put you in jail for up to six months, and you may have to pay a fine of $5000 or less.
When arrested for illegal gambling, it is advisable to hire a criminal lawyer who can defend you against criminal charges. Your lawyer can also give you expert advice on gambling disputes.
Disclaimer: The article is not a piece of legal advice or opinion on the topic discussed, and one should not rely on it. No one should see it as a statement of the law and practice in this area. If you need any legal advice, consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction. None of the members, partner or consultant who is a part of Bishop Law assumes or holds any responsibility or liability to any person in respect of the content shared above.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
Gambling is a recreational activity popular throughout the world. However, the legality of it varies across different jurisdictions.
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