Workers Party concerned over online gambling licenses in Singapore

The Workers Party (WP) is concerned over the applications from lottery operators Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club to launch online betting services.

Singapore.- The Workers Party (WP) has expressed concern over the applications from lottery operators Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club (STC) to launch online betting services, as they run counter to the Government’s move to clamp down on remote gambling.

Back in 2014, when the Government passed the Remote Gambling Act, its aim was to arrest addictive behaviour and easy access to these games. Furthermore, websites that offer remote gambling services have since been blocked.

“It makes little sense for the Government to close one door on remote gambling in order to ‘protect young persons and other vulnerable persons’, while opening another door that exposes them to the ills of gambling in their homes,” said Pritam Singh, assistant secretary-general of the opposition party, in a statement.

In the event the Government approve their applications, Singapore Pools and STC would have “24/7 virtual betting outlets available in almost every home and mobile device”, said Singh, adding that the party is calling on the Government to reject the applications for exemption.

The statement was released as the Government is evaluating the applications by the two not-for-profit organisations to be exempted from the Act, which prohibits remote gambling via websites, phones or smart devices. The applications were submitted last year and approval is expected to be given before the end of the year.