Singapore will allow limited online betting in tightly controlled conditions, the government said Thursday, as it eases a sweeping law banning remote gambling.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has exempted state-linked Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club from legislation that blocks access to gambling sites and stops electronic payments to them.
Both operators will launch online gaming services in the next two months but cannot offer casino-style games or poker, the ministry added. They also face fines of S$1 million for every guideline breach.
Sports betting, especially on top European football league matches, is deeply entrenched in wealthy Singapore, which has two casinos.