Authorities to clamp down on illegal, problem gambling during Euro 2024

SINGAPORE: As anticipation builds for the impending Euro 2024 in Germany, Singapore authorities are stepping up their efforts to curb illegal and problem gambling for the duration of the quadrennial football tournament, which runs from Jun 14 to Jul 14.

In a joint press release on Wednesday (Jun 12), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said they take a firm stance against illegal gambling, as it does not come with social safeguards like expenditure limits and responsible gambling measures.

Both ministries reiterated that Singapore Pools is the only operator licensed to provide lotteries and sports betting services in Singapore, and that gambling activities which are not licensed or exempted are not allowed in Singapore.

"The police will take tough enforcement action against illegal gambling, including those who assist gambling syndicates," they said.

"In 2023, they conducted more than 300 raids against illegal gambling activities and arrested more than 450 persons. They have also worked with stakeholders to terminate phone numbers that advertise illegal gambling activities and close bank accounts involved in the same." 

During the last European Football Championship in 2021, 72 people in Singapore were arrested as part of an Interpol-led operation targeting illegal football gambling. 

More than S$800,000 (US$591,423) in cash, as well as computers, laptops, mobile phones and other items, were seized, the Singapore Police Force then said.

The ministries also noted that the Gambling Regulatory Authority has blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites, over 260 bank accounts and more than S$36 million (US$27 million) in payments linked to illegal remote gambling services. 

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Public education and outreach efforts by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) willl be strengthened during the tournament, said MHA and MSF.

Advertisements will be shown on TV, in newspapers, out-of-home screens, as well as digital and social media platforms to caution the public about the harms of excessive football betting.

“It is easy to get carried away with the placement of bets amidst the excitement of games. We urge everyone to exercise personal responsibility and encourage family members, neighbours and friends to keep a lookout for those who may be affected by problem gambling," said Mr Sim Gim Guan, chairman of NCPG. 

NCPC will run a campaign, alongside the ads, on various platforms from TV to social media and utilise digital banners to warn of the risks of betting with illegal operators. Collaterals will also be distributed at community events.

The authorities urged the public not to place bets with illegal gambling operators and to exercise responsibility when gambling. 

"Family members, friends and the community also play an important role in encouraging those with gambling addiction to seek help," MHA and MSF said, adding that problem gamblers can call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1800-6-668-668 or use the webchat on NCPG's website. 

Anyone found guilty of conducting unlawful gambling faces a fine of up to S$500,000 and jail of up to seven years. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to S$700,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Those found guilty of gambling with an unlicensed service provider face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. 

Mediacorp's Channel 5 will show four Euro 2024 group-stage matches for free and simulcast on the meWATCH streaming service. The four games - Spain vs Croatia, Denmark vs England, Turkiye vs Portugal and France vs Poland - will kick off at 12am Singapore time.