SINGAPORE - Online gambling in Singapore will be outlawed if a new Bill tabled in Parliament on Monday is passed into law.
The proposed legislation, known as the Remote Gambling Bill, will also make it illegal to offer such online gambling services to Singaporeans, whether they are based here or overseas, and will give authorities the power to compel banks and other payment providers to block fund transfers to and from such websites.
Advertising of online gambling services will also become illegal in any form of media.
However, the Bill aims to create an exemption regime, where Singapore-based organisations can apply to be exempted from these restrictions. They have to meet certain criteria - such as being a non-profit, contribute to charitable purposes, and have a good track record of complying with local laws.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said it studied the practices of other jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Norway and France in crafting the Bill, and took into account feedback from the public during a six-week long consultation exercise.
The Bill will be debated at the next available sitting of Parliament.
