Everything About the New Restrictions in Amusement Centres & Fun Fairs from 1 March 2024

By
Kimi Tan
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You’ve definitely seen claw machines around with really attractive prizes like iPhones, headphones, speakers, and more. The best part is that each token to play probably only costs about a dollar, meaning you could get a brand new phone for just $1.

Well, say goodbye to those prizes as this is about to come to an end.

From 1 March 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will impose restrictions on prizes for games offered at amusement centres and fun fairs.

Although this comes as sad news to some, the reasoning behind this is understandable and rather fair.

Games offered at amusement centres and fun fairs are often based on chance, such as Ring Toss, Balloon Darts, and claw machines.

High-value prizes such as smartphones and gaming consoles have become popular as they attract more people to play.

The combination of reliance on luck and the high value of prizes means that engaging in these games is not that much different from gambling.

In Singapore, gambling is regulated tightly through strict laws to maintain law and order as well as to minimise potential harm to the society. Gambling activities are prohibited unless they are exempted or licensed.

By the way, social gambling is legal in Singapore so don’t worry about not being able to multiply your angbao money this CNY. Your family mahjong sessions are still okay.

The MHA will be introducing a cap on the value of prizes to reduce the risk of gambling inducement, especially among youths.

Singapore is not the only country that is imposing restrictions on the value of prizes. The UK Gambling Commission limits the value of prizes for games being offered in claw machines to £50.

The Restrictions

The following restrictions will take effect from 1 March 2024:

  • The value of the prizes must be under $100;
  • Operators of amusement centres and fun fairs must not offer cash, cash equivalents, credit, merchant vouchers or coupons as prizes
  • The sell-back of prizes to operators will be prohibited.

All operators were informed of these upcoming restrictions a year ago to give them ample time to manage their existing inventory of high-value prizes.

From 1 March 2024, operators who do not comply with these requirements on prizes may be subject to regulatory action under the Public Entertainments Act.

This includes, but is not limited to, the suspension or revocation of their Public Entertainment Licence, or a fine of up to $20,000.

They may also be liable for conducting unlawful gambling under the Gambling Control Act, and face a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years.

Even though these attractive prizes will be removed in a month, carnival games are still fun to play, and you can still win a cute stuffed bear to give to your girlfriend since you didn’t buy her the Djungleskog she wanted.

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Kimi Tan