Singapore’s New Gaming Regulator Has Officially Taken Over
Posted on: August 17, 2022, 07:16h.
Last updated on: August 17, 2022, 10:11h.
Just weeks after Singapore finalized its new gambling regime, the country’s unified Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has taken over. The agency officially launched yesterday with a ceremony that passed control to it from the former Casino Regulatory Authority.

The inauguration highlights Singapore’s approach to gambling reform as online options become more common. The GRA will not only be the authority for land-based gambling, but will also be responsible for the digital segment.
To that end, more changes are coming to Singapore’s gambling legislation. Lawmakers will work with the GRA to create the new framework, details of which will be released later.
New Options, Crypto Drive Changes
With no online gambling options, there wasn’t much of a need to introduce gambling laws to cover the digital space. However, Singapore recognizes that changes are coming, and that it can’t ignore the growth of online casinos.
Attending the inauguration of the GRA on Tuesday was Singapore’s Second Minister for Home Affairs, Josephine Teo. As reported by The Straits Times, she made it abundantly clear that the country understands the potential online activities will play in gambling.
Teo highlighted the online segment and the challenges it brings to gaming regulation, pointing out the increased variety of options available to consumers in the digital space. For example, land-based casinos can’t swap out gaming equipment every time they want. However, online casinos regularly change available options on a whim, and introduce novel alternatives that gaming innovation delivers.
In addition, the prevalence of cryptocurrency plays a role in the development of online gaming regulations. There are some legitimate platforms that accept crypto. But there are also plenty of illegal gambling sites where digital currencies are the go-to payment method.
However, Singapore plans on addressing all of the potential issues that exist now and that may arise in the future. It is going to put its Casino Control Act through a major overhaul, and once it has finished, will publish its proposals. Teo did not indicate when that might occur.
GRA Ready to Take Over
Tan Tee How, the GRA’s inaugural chairman, is ready to get started. He said during yesterday’s ceremony that plans are in place to give the agency’s officials all the tools and authority they need to carry out their responsibilities properly. This also includes covering “new skills and competencies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence.”
Because the GRA will oversee land-based and digital gaming, the regulator will have additional internal resources to carry out its tasks. At the same time, it plans on increasing efficiency and developing a “digitally-enabled workplace.”
Going forward, there are going to be more recognized gambling categories. However, the GRA plans on consolidating the licensing process for operators. This will allow it to meet its goal of introducing more structure to the legal gaming ecosystem while becoming more efficient.
Related News Articles
Related News Articles
Las Vegas Sands Gets Another Year to Start Singapore Casino Upgrades
Singapore Gambling Addict Forged Checks Using Erasable Pen, Heads to Prison
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Sees Failed Gambling Scam Lead to Manhunt
Las Vegas Sands to Award $1M in Education Scholarships in Singapore
Most Popular
Construction Stops on Dream Las Vegas, Funding Blamed
Long Island Residents Launch Petition Against Sands Casino Plan
Most Commented
-
Bye Las Vegas Strip Buffets, Hello Food Halls
March 6, 2023 — 22 Comments— -
Long Island Residents Launch Petition Against Sands Casino Plan
March 20, 2023 — 14 Comments— -
VEGAS MYTHS BUSTED: You Don’t Have to Pay Resort Fees
March 17, 2023 — 14 Comments— -
U2 to Earn Unheard-Of Payday for Las Vegas Residency, Opening Date Set – Report
February 16, 2023 — 11 Comments—
No comments yet