Social gambling such as mahjong and poker at home is legalised in Singapore; new laws take effect from Monday (Aug 1)

August 1, 2022 Singapore Crime & Legal

Social gambling in the form of playing mahjong and poker with family and friends at homes in Singapore will be legalised from Monday (Aug 1).

While not currently illegal, social gambling is not clearly defined in current laws. The new laws will set clear parameters for what is acceptable.

Other changes under the new Gambling Control Act will make it an offence for those under 21 to gamble, save for at Singapore Pool’s outlets where the minimum legal age is 18.

The new rules and a new regulatory authority to oversee the gambling landscape will come into force on Monday, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday (July 31).

The changes come after the laws were passed in Parliament in March, after a debate during which MPs raised concerns about newer forms of gambling brought about by digital technology.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) will take over the functions of the existing Casino Regulatory Authority and be granted more powers to regulate all forms of gambling in Singapore.