Singapore Pools struggling to launch before the Euros

ne betting still seemingly has a way to go before it is a reality for punters in Singapore. That’s because less than two weeks before the start of Euro 2016, lottery operator Singapore Pools has yet to get regulatory clearance to launch its first online betting website.

In February 2015, Singapore’s new Remote Gambling Act (RGA) took effect criminalizing remote gambling activities except online sports betting sites that devote their revenue to charitable and other social causes.

Last summer, Singapore Turf Club and Singapore Pools submitted applications to be exempt from the online ban. At that time, they were warned that it could take up to one year to evaluate their request.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has reported to Straight Times that the application is still “currently being evaluated”, decreasing odds for the lottery operator to gain its approval in time for this summer’s football tournament.

Singapore Pools’ new site, which is to be powered by OpenBet, is aimed to allow punters to place bets directly online. At the moment, gamblers can only place wagers over the phone or at retail outlets.