Gambling activities restrictions
If you receive government-funded criminal defence aid, you are banned from casinos, jackpot rooms, and Singapore Pools accounts for the duration of your case.
Last updated 5 June 2026
Currently, individuals on Government social assistance and subsidy schemes are prohibited from entering the casinos, jackpot machine rooms and accessing their Singapore Pools online betting accounts under section 165A of the Casino Control Act 2006.
With effect from 1 April 2024, this Exclusion by Law will be extended to individuals receiving Government-funded criminal defence aid from either the Public Defender’s Office or under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme administered by Pro Bono SG.
This means that for the period in which you are receiving criminal defence aid, you will be banned from:
a. entering, remaining, or taking part in any gaming on all casino premises;
b. entering, remaining, or taking part in any gaming in all jackpot machine rooms in private clubs (except for work1 purposes); and
c. accessing Singapore Pools accounts-related services if you are an existing account holder, or opening an account if you are not an existing account holder.
When your case has concluded in Court or when you are no longer receiving criminal defence aid, this Exclusion by Law will be revoked automatically within 2 weeks.
To understand more about social safeguards against problem gambling and exclusions or visit limits, please visit www.ncpg.org.sg (opens in new tab).
1 This refers to the scope of “defined work” under Casino Control Act.