05 December 2025
S. Iswaran, Second Home Affairs Minister, has said that his government may ban online gambling. His statement was made during a symposium on crime and casinos.
Singapore is one of the largest gaming markets in the world, with its two casinos generating anual revenues of $6 billion. To Iswaran, online gambling is a concern since "it is ubiquitously and easily accessible through the Internet and mobile applications, especially by a younger and more tech-savvy generation".
Iswaran also said that due to the nature of poker and casino games, players may develop addictive behaviors.
According to The Diplomat, the local online gaming market represents more than $375 in annual revenues. This number is expected to grow 6 to 7% due to the growing trend of smartphones and tablets.
Singapore's government also fears that online websites will be used to finance illegal activities and criminal organizations.
There's still hope for Singapore's online gaming, though - Iswaran revelead that, besides the ban, there's under study the possibility of one rigid regulamentory sistem, which will allow for the presence of some online gambling operators.
Singapore only has 2 casinos, and every citizen has to pay an $80 fee to get entry clearance.
