New Casino Control Regulations in Singapore Take Effect This Week

October 30, 2024 Singapore Casino & Hotel

Some provisions of Singapore’s new Casino Control (Amendment) Act have officially come into effect on October 30, 2024. These measures were part of the statute passed by the city-state’s parliament on September 10. They aim to tighten casino regulations, protect vulnerable groups, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the nation’s casino regulatory regime.

Under the new amendments, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), penalties for non-compliance with licensing conditions have been significantly increased. Operators can now face fines of up to S$1 million (approximately USD 740,000) for severe breaches, a substantial increase from the previous maximum penalty of S$200,000. This escalation reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining a robust regulatory framework.

The amendments empower the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) to conduct investigations into suspicious activities more effectively. The CRA now has the authority to require operators to furnish information and documents relevant to their operations, thereby facilitating more thorough oversight.

The amended Act introduces stricter gaming regulations, including enhanced measures for responsible gambling, and call for transparency in the licensing process for casino operators.

New offences have been introduced to combat money laundering and other criminal activities associated with casino operations. The Act now criminalizes any attempts to evade or undermine the regulatory framework, holding individuals and corporations accountable for such actions.

The original Casino Control Act, enacted in 2006, laid the groundwork for regulating Singapore’s casino industry.

Although the original Act included provisions for responsible gambling, the amendments place a much stronger emphasis on this aspect, mandating operators to adopt comprehensive measures aimed at identifying and assisting at-risk gamblers.