If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Knowing that illicit gambling on unauthorised websites can never be fully erased (even with a major ban rolling out by the end of the month), local lottery operators are stepping up to launch their own online betting services. Legal ones, of course.
The Straits Times reported that Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club are attempting to launch online betting services should their applications be accepted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It’s a bit tricky for now, considering the new Remote Gambling Act has been outlawing remote gambling activities — i.e. online games that use real money to convert into virtual goods and vice versa. Early last year, the laws kicked in and blocked a number of sites that facilitated such games like online poker and blackjack.
Despite the ban, hardcore gamblers will always find a way to play online — the big wins are just too addictive. With the intention to counter such practices, local lottery operators are planning online betting platforms that will enable gamblers to play lotteries and games on the Internet. Singapore Pools will offer betting on football and motor-racing, as well as 4-D and Toto while the Turf Club will take bets on horse races. All from the comfort of home, should the government allow it.
Under the law, an operator could be exempted from the Remote Gambling Act. They have to operate in a not-for-profit manner and contribute to public, social and charitable causes in Singapore — which both Singapore Pools and the Turf Club meet. In case you didn’t know, all your huge losses become gaming surpluses, which in turn are channelled to fund charitable and social causes. So at least there’s one good thing that comes out of your gambling.
Some social workers, however, weren’t too keen about having legal online betting platforms. It would just mean that placing bets online are more convenient, and could lead to more problems.
