00:00The government has set its eyes on the remote gambling sector as it seeks new revenue streams to bolster the
00:07Treasury.
00:08The sector is currently unregulated compared to regular gambling, which is earning the state millions in taxes each year.
00:16Gaming tax payment in 2025 amounted to approximately $72.6 million, comprising $15.06 million in gaming amusement tax and
00:27$57.6 million in club gaming tax.
00:30In 2026 so far, approximately $71.3 million has been collected, $21.2 million in gaming amusement tax and $50
00:39.1 million in club gaming tax.
00:42Swarid Singh notes, more oversight means not only more revenue, but also more control.
00:48Through this modernized regulatory system, we are managing who is permitted to conduct gambling operations, as well as the licensing
00:58and conditions of such operations.
01:00We are also identifying customers and ensuring that vulnerable persons are protected, potentially suspicious transactions eliminated, and regulations for rule
01:12breakers are incorporated.
01:14However, one independent senator questioned how the state would enforce its proposed 25-year age limit.
01:21With respect to age verification, Mr. President, this is an area where I believe there must be no ambiguity.
01:31It cannot simply be a tick box on the website which says I am over 18 or I am over
01:3725, as the case may be.
01:40This is not meaningful age verification.
01:44If the law establishes a minimum legal age for gambling, the system must have a credible mechanism capable of establishing
01:54that the person seeking to gamble actually meets the requirement.
01:59And the responsibility cannot simply be transferred to the parent if the patient is a minor.
02:05Meantime, Opposition Senator Farah Sarrawi noted key gaps in the legislative and regulatory framework, most notably, Cabinet's failure to appoint
02:16a gaming commission.
02:17We know there's no licensing for online gaming permitted at present under Section 30.
02:22We know there's no commission to decide that there shall be a license because there's no board.
02:27In all honesty, Mr. President, I'm very suspicious about it, if I'm frank with you, Mr. President.
02:35It does not make sense, Mr. President, to say that this is expedient, Mr. President.
02:42What would be expedient is to appoint the board so that the board can create the regulations,
02:49so that the regulations can allow the licensing regime to be promulgated for all gaming and betting, Mr. President.
02:58Under Section 30, Section 32.
03:00When we have that, Mr. President, we will know that the time to open the floodgate on online gaming is
03:08upon us.
03:09The debate continues in the Senate next week.
03:12Renasa Cutting, TV6 News.
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