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Online Gaming – The State of Play in Singapore

Hannah Yee Fen Lim

(2011) 23 SAcLJ 74

Abstract:
This article will examine the legality of online gambling in Singapore, whether operated out of or merely conducted within Singapore. It will include comparative analyses where relevant. The four principal statutes in Singapore that govern gaming are the Common Gaming Houses Act (Cap 49, 1985 Rev Ed) (“CGHA”), the Betting Act (Cap 21, 1985 Rev Ed), the Private Lotteries Act (Cap 250, 1985 Rev Ed) and the Betting and Sweepstakes Duties Act (Cap 22, 1999 Rev Ed). This article will focus on the CGHA and the Betting Act as they are the two most relevant pieces of legislation to online gambling. Each of these statutes deal with a different aspect of gambling and a particular gambling activity may fall under more than one statute. The various forms of gambling and gaming will be expounded and the statutes will be applied to each type of gambling, together with an analysis of the equivalent online gambling activity. It will be apparent from the arguments presented below that perhaps the CGHA and the Betting Act can be meaningfully combined for the sake of brevity and clarity.