Two local lottery operators get go-ahead to run online betting

Government sets $1M fine for every violation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed state-linked Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club to introduce online gaming services in the next two months. They were however prohibited to offer casino-style games or poker.

Both operators will face $1M fine for every guideline breach.

According to MHA, a complete ban would only serve to drive more remote gambling underground, making it harder to detect, and exacerbate the associated law and order and social concerns.

"A tightly-controlled exempt operator regime mitigates such concerns," it explained.

The government unit cited Hong Kong and Norway as amongst the countries allowing limited online betting in tightly controlled condition.