Singapore has had gambling laws since the early 19th century, and it has generally been a poor environment for gamblers. Initially, the government outlawed the activity because it was associated with antisocial behaviour like stealing. To date, people in Singapore associate the activity with negative behaviour.
Given that many countries don’t have laws that outright ban online gambling, you may be wondering whether Singapore has enacted laws on this form of gambling. We shall answer this question in detail in this guide.
Can I Bet Online in Singapore?
In 2014, Singapore outlawed all forms of online gambling. This law is known as the Remote Gambling Act, and it bans any type of gambling that uses the internet, telephone, or radio.
While the Singaporean government seems strict about gambling in the country, it generally does not target individuals who place bets online. This is because such an activity would be costly and highly unproductive. Whenever possible, they simply go after the gambling operators. For this reason, you will find that choosing one of the best Singapore online sportsbooks is key when you want better bonuses and sports betting options.
However, in 2016, the government granted gambling licenses to two operators. These are Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club. If you are caught gambling on other platforms, you will have to pay a $5,000 fine or serve a 6-month sentence. The judge can also impose both punishments.
FAQ
Can I place bets online in Singapore?
Singapore differs from other countries in that it has very clear laws on online gambling. Online and offline gambling are both illegal in Singapore, but the government has made exceptions for two betting sites. While the government doesn’t allow punters to use offshore online betting sites, it generally doesn’t go after individual players.
Which deposit methods can I use on betting sites in Singapore?
You can deposit funds in your online betting account using the Singaporean dollar. Many betting sites in the country accept deposits made using e-wallets. You can also use cryptocurrencies as they will make it harder for government bodies to trace the payment back to you.
Is it possible to bet on mobile apps in Singapore?
Given that online gambling is mostly banned in the country, most sportsbooks don’t allow Singaporeans to download their apps. Still, you will be able to place bets on the mobile site.
Do Singaporeans need to pay taxes on their gambling winnings?
No, the government of Singapore does not tax punters on their winnings. If you are using offshore gambling sites, you shouldn’t report the winnings as online betting is illegal in the country.
Conclusion
The government of Singapore has been hostile to all forms of gambling since the 19th century. In 2014, it banned all forms of remote gambling, including online betting. However, the government would license two online betting sites, and these are Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club. Although online betting is illegal, you will still be able to place bets on offshore accounts. You can use cryptocurrencies to avoid the prying eyes of the government. In most cases, governments target the operators of online gambling sites instead of individual citizens.
