The Singapore authorities are extremely aware of the social implications that may be linked to problem gambling and to this end Singapore residents must pay an entry fee if they wish to play in either of the two casinos licensed in the territory. Moves were made in 2013 to begin the process of having online gambling banned in Singapore and the Remote Gambling Bill was recently passed after a second reading in parliament. This bill opens the way for live baccarat online to be made illegal for the territory's residents. Singapore's Second Minister for Home Affairs justified the move by claiming that criminals can use online casinos for money laundering and fraud and to fund illegal activities. Another main concern for the authorities and other groups who oppose online casinos is that due to the nature of internet gambling it may prove to be more addictive than some other types of gambling. Protection of the young and other vulnerable people is a reason also put forward by those who wish to see online gambling forbidden in the country.
Not all types of online gambling to be illegal
The Singapore government will offer new remote gambling licences to certain online operators who will be closely controlled while offering specific types of permitted internet gambling to residents of Singapore. The gambling licences would cover the sports betting and lotteries sectors only. Another requirement of being granted a remote gambling licence is that in the eyes of the Singapore government, the operators must be socially responsible and donate a percentage of their revenue to charitable causes. Only operators who are based in Singapore would be eligible to apply for a remote gambling licence. Any online operators who do not fulfil all the criteria set down by the Singapore authorities and who try to offer their Celtic casino services to Singapore residents will face prosecution.
Ban on casino style internet games
There would be repercussions for any operator or player involved in online casino gambling that would become illegal under the new laws. Apart from those granted exemptions, any unlicensed websites offering their services to Singapore players would be blocked. The new legislation would also prevent banks and financial institutions from processing any payments connected to William Hill Casino. All types of casino games and poker would be completely forbidden and any group promoting or advertising online casinos would be severely dealt with. When word of the ban on casino style games came out it was feared that social gaming on the internet would face the same ban but the Singapore authorities have stated that these games will remain legal once there is no real money exchange involved.