Singapore's state-owned lottery company Singapore Pools launches its online betting service today, the first of two companies to do so under new relaxed laws on online gambling.

The second is horse-racing company Singapore Turf Club, which plans to launch its online service on Nov 15.

Starting at 3pm, Singapore Pools patrons can now place bets for popular lotto services such as 4D and Toto, as well as sports such as football and Formula 1.

However, the exempted companies are banned from offering casino-style games online such as poker and blackjack.

To sign up, a user has to be over 21 and go to a physical outlet for identity verification.

In Parliament, Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin said that the exemption provides safeguards for citizens who gamble online despite government bans.

Conservative groups criticised the move, with the National Council of Churches adamant in a statement that it "cannot be the best option for Singapore".

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) urged Muslims to ensure that fellow Muslims are not registered online bettors.

However, both councils have stopped short of urging a reversal on the gambling exemptions.

- dpa