Online bingo is strictly illegal in Singapore under the Gambling Control Act (GCA) and is classified as a game of chance or public lottery, both of which are prohibited unless licensed (1). Singapore maintains a highly regulated gambling market where only Singapore Pools is authorized to provide online gambling services, and bingo is not included in its licensed offerings (1). All other forms of online bingo—whether operated domestically or from offshore—are completely banned in Singapore, with the government employing strict enforcement mechanisms to prevent access to illegal platforms (2).
Under the Gambling Control Act, any person who participates in online bingo or other unlicensed remote gambling services commits a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and substantial fines (1). Additionally, online social gambling is explicitly prohibited, meaning that even casual bingo games played online between friends for money constitute illegal activity in Singapore (1). The government actively blocks illegal online gambling websites and directs payment systems to cease transactions linked to unlicensed platforms, with financial institutions required to implement payment blocking orders to prevent residents from accessing unauthorized betting services (2).
"Under Singapore law, bingo, fantasy sports and poker would be classified as games of chance and/or public lotteries, and hence would be prohibited if played for money or money equivalent, unless a licence is obtained. Online gambling—like its physical counterpart—is also illegal in Singapore, unless it is licensed or exempted."
Singapore residents who attempt to access online bingo through offshore platforms face serious legal consequences if apprehended (2). The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has blocked more than 3,400 illegal gambling websites and frozen over 260 bank accounts linked to illegal remote gambling services as of June 2024 (2). The government has implemented advanced internet filtering technology and maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward unlicensed gambling operators, with enforcement actions including raids on illegal gambling operations and criminal charges against operators and participants (1). The minimum legal gambling age in Singapore is 21 years, with violators subject to criminal penalties, making online bingo inaccessible to residents of all ages through legitimate legal channels (1).
Source:
https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/gaming-law-2024/singapore
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-gambling-laws-including-legalising-social-gambling-to-take-effect-from-aug-1
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
