The Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) recently launched a public consultation to revise the existing "Remote Gambling Opportunity Games License" (RGOC), relaxing the restrictions on the use of in-game markets by Class 2 license holders, to adapt to the current trend of in-game transactions prevailing on third-party platforms.
According to current regulations, Class 2 RGOC allows operators to conduct interactive gambling games, where players, although not receiving cash rewards, can win virtual items used within the game. However, these items can currently only be traded on third-party platforms, and operators are not allowed to provide related market or exchange services.
The revision suggests allowing operators to create legal markets within the game, where players can trade prizes through money or equivalents, such as skins, stickers, and other virtual items, but must comply with restrictions: operators are not allowed to repurchase these items, to avoid inducing a gambling motive of "guaranteed realization".
GRA states that these in-game markets themselves do not pose a risk to legal or social order, therefore, there is an intention to guide them into a regulated track, ensuring player safety and combating grey market transactions.
This public consultation will continue until August 20, 2025, after which decisions will be made on whether to formally amend the law. If approved, this change could have a profound impact on the integration of gaming and gambling sectors in Singapore.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that Resorts World Sentosa recently also made senior management changes, appointing Lee Shi Ru as the new President and Chief Operating Officer, possibly indicating its next strategic layout in the gambling and digital entertainment sectors.
