Singapore’s gambling regulator has entered a leadership transition, with former Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck taking over as chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). The appointment took effect Wednesday, April 1st, following an announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Hoong replaces Tan Tee How, who had led the authority since 2018 and played a central role during a period of structural change in Singapore’s regulatory framework for gambling.

Leadership Shift at Singapore’s Gambling Regulator

Hoong steps into the role after serving as deputy chairman of the GRA. His appointment follows a long tenure in public service, including 38 years with the Singapore Police Force. During that time, he spent 11 years as Commissioner, a position he held until stepping down on January 5.

His policing career included the introduction of operational and technological initiatives such as the Anti-Scam Command and Emergency Response Teams. He also oversaw the rollout of unmanned aerial patrol systems, incident response vehicles, and a camera network equipped with video analytics in public areas.

The transition reflects a continuation of leadership with strong enforcement and regulatory experience. Hoong’s background in law enforcement aligns with the GRA’s mandate to monitor gambling activity and limit associated risks.

Singapore’s gambling market operates under a tightly controlled system, with two integrated resort casinos—Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands—forming the core of its land-based sector.

Tan Tee How’s Role in Regulatory Expansion

Tan’s tenure covered a period when Singapore reshaped its approach to gambling oversight. During his leadership, the Casino Regulatory Authority evolved into the Gambling Regulatory Authority in July 2022, expanding its scope beyond casinos to cover all forms of gambling activity.

The Ministry acknowledged this shift, stating that “Under Mr Tan’s leadership, GRA underwent a strategic transformation from a casino regulator to national regulator of all forms of gambling in Singapore.”

His time in the role also included a focus on governance and regulatory oversight. As reported by Asia Gaming Brief, the Ministry noted that “Mr Tan ably steered GRA’s priorities and development, whilst maintaining strong governance oversight.”

In addition, the statement highlighted the broader objectives of the authority under his leadership. “His leadership has helped GRA to effectively fulfil its responsibilities of keeping gambling in Singapore free from criminal influence, and minimising its harms to Singapore society.”

No specific reason was provided for Tan’s departure, though the Ministry expressed appreciation for his contributions and extended well wishes for his future.

Continuity and Oversight Remain Key Focus

The leadership change comes as Singapore continues to maintain a strict regulatory stance on gambling. The GRA oversees a broad range of activities, ensuring compliance while addressing risks tied to criminal influence and social harm.

Hoong’s appointment suggests continued emphasis on enforcement-driven regulation, supported by his experience in policing and public safety systems.

The Ministry described his service as part of “38 years of distinguished service,” reflecting a career built within Singapore’s law enforcement structure.

As chairman, Hoong will now guide the authority at a time when gambling oversight remains a critical element of Singapore’s regulatory environment. The GRA’s expanded remit, introduced in 2022, places responsibility for monitoring multiple gambling formats under a single national body.

This consolidation of oversight has positioned the authority as a central regulator tasked with balancing industry activity against broader social considerations.