Singapore regulators have confirmed that Premier League betting odds will be available for the upcoming FA Cup Final. According to the report of local media Chiang Rai Times, the announcement reaffirms the country’s structured approach to legal sports betting through Singapore Pools, the only authorised operator in the city-state.
Bets on international competitions such as the English Premier League (EPL) and FA Cup have long been permitted under the country’s controlled gambling laws. With interest in global football continuing to grow locally, authorities recorded $12.2 billion in legal sports bets for the financial year ending March 2024. Much of this activity coincided with major European fixtures, highlighting the region’s enthusiasm for English football.
Who are the legal operators in Singapore?
Singapore is known for its strict regulations, but it’s also pragmatic. Sports betting is legal if it goes through government-sanctioned operators. Singapore Pools is the only licensed operator for most betting services in the country. Beyond sports, Singapore Pools also operates lottery draws such as 4D, TOTO, and Singapore Sweep, with weekly draws that attract millions.
The Singapore Turf Club, in partnership with Singapore Pools, is the exclusive hub for legal bets on horse races—held live at Kranji Racecourse. Together, these two state-backed organisations form the core of Singapore’s legal betting ecosystem.
The government regularly blocks access to offshore betting platforms and works with banks to freeze illegal transactions. The EPL remains the most bet-on league in Singapore, with the FA Cup close behind.
Laws governing gambling activities
Singapore’s Remote Gambling Act 2014 was passed to block all unauthorised online gambling activities. It gave authorities the power to shut down offshore gambling sites and block related financial transactions. In 2022, the government consolidated various gambling laws to create the Gambling Control Act. It redefined legal boundaries and allowed some forms of social gambling in private settings. Replacing previous agencies, the Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA) was formed to oversee all gambling activities and enforce regulations uniformly across different sectors.
Based on Singapore’s gambling laws, all betting platforms require proof of age, typically 21 years old and above, before an account is approved. Limits on spending, session times, and mandatory cooling-off periods are enforced to protect users. Singapore has helplines, counselling services, and exclusion orders available for those who may struggle with addiction.
Operators of illegal gambling sites or services can be slapped with fines up to S$500,000 ($381,698.71) and face jail time of up to 7 years. Those caught placing illegal bets risk penalties of up to S$5,000 ($3,816.99) and six months in jail. Repeat offenders are hit even harder—with heavier fines and longer prison terms.
2024/25 FA Cup: Road to the final
In the quarter finals, Crystal Palace has had an impressive journey, stunning many by defeating Fulham 3–0 away with goals from Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr, and Eddie Nketiah, and then smashing Aston Villa 3–0 in the semi-finals with a brace from Ismaila Sarr and one from Eberechi Eze.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is on a quest for redemption after a rocky season, securing a 2–1 win over Bournemouth in the quarterfinals with goals from Haaland and Marmoush, followed by a 2–0 semi-final victory against Nottingham Forest with goals from Lewis and Gvardiol. The final showdown is on 17 May at Wembley.
