Singapore considers legalising in-game prize trading under remote gambling reform
Regulators propose letting licensed operators create in-game marketplaces.
Singapore.- The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to remote gambling regulations to allow licensed operators to offer in-game marketplaces for the trading of virtual items for money or money equivalents. The practice is currently limited to unregulated, third-party platforms.
The proposal targets Type 2 Remote Games of Chance (RGOC), which covers interactive, pay-to-play games offering non-cash, in-game prizes such as stickers, skins and weapons. While trading of these virtual items is already common on external sites, legislation prohibits licensed operators from facilitating or hosting such services.
The proposed change would amend Paragraph 3(b)(iv) of the Gambling Control Order 2022. Under the proposed rules, operators could offer a platform for users to trade in-game items with each other, but not with the operator. Operators would be barred from buying back prizes, which the GRA sees as necessary to prevent “gambling inducement” by disallowing guaranteed monetisation.
The public consultation will remain open until August 20.
