Casinos in Singapore

Intro

Even if you describe yourself as a newbie in the world of online and land-based casinos, chances are you’ve at least heard of some iconic destinations. Las Vegas aside, there are plenty of other fabulous casinos all over the world and a duet of the most attractive ones is located in Singapore- Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

One of only three city-states in the world, along with Vatican City and Monaco, Singapore starts to amaze visitors from the very first step, with one of the world’s highest man-made indoor waterfalls at the Changi Airport. Home to the world’s fastest walkers, Singlish language, ban on long hair for males and the first night zoo, this place certainly deserves to end up on every traveler’s “must-visit” list.

While the fact that two breathtaking resorts could easily make a person believe that Singapore is home to tons of casinos, the reality is quite different. Unless licensed or exempted, gambling activities, both land-based and interactive are prohibited in this Asian country.

The truth is that these facilities are permitted only because they exist in the said format- as integrated resorts (IRs). Such complexes see a casino integrated into a major resort property alongside a hotel, convention facilities, entertainment shows, theme parks, luxury retail, and fine dining.

Often described as the exhilarating oasis of tranquility and thrill, Marina Bay Sands accommodates an Infinity pool, rooms with a spectacular view, exceptional delicacies an amazing selection of games. proudly presenting itself as a place where every detail whispers indulgence, it offers the most generous rewards program in Singapore.

Accommodated on the island of Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) features not only premium-class casinos but also other astonishing attractions. Some of them are Universal Studios Singapore theme, the Adventure Cove Waterpark, as well as the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is among the world's largest oceanariums, and so on.

History of Gambling in Singapore

In 1923, when Singapore was a British colony, gambling was legal for a while, but after only three years it was criminalized. The reason for that was a notable increase in gambling addiction and crime.

Not wanting to fully outlaw it, Singapore permitted the operation of legal gambling but only in government-run establishments. For lotteries, it was Singapore Polls, whereas for horse racing it was Singapore Turf Club.

A couple of decades later, in 2005, a ground-breaking decision was made, allowing the development of two integrated resorts. Before that, locals could gamble on cruise ships that were sailing on international waters, which was beyond Singapore’s control.

Although nowadays these two gambling venues stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most renowned casinos, their existence was criticized openly until 2014. Major concerns were raised regarding negative social impact and undesirable activities such as money laundering and organized crime.

On the other hand, the government justified these projects by insisting that their primary goal was to boost the local tourism industry. The claim was backed by the fact that intense competition was growing in the region, namely Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

Laws and Regulations

As of 2022, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is the current single regulatory body overseeing gambling in Singapore. Prior to its formation, various regulatory institutions were in charge of governing this sector. This statutory board operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

One of them was the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore (CRA) whose duty was to regulate the management and operation of the casinos in Singapore, whereas The Gambling Regulatory Unit (GRU) controlled fruit machines and remote gambling activities.

In Singapore, there are three different types of activities recognized as gambling. Betting represents paying or staking the money on the outcome of a race, competition, sport, or any similar event, and it encompasses mahjong, horse racing, casino table games, and similar.

The second type is engaging in gaming activity such as playing slot machines at country clubs or casinos, encompassing any games that involve some element of a chance. The third type is participating in lotteries, such as 4D/TOTO, and any sort of raffles or lucky draws.

While all forms of gambling are officially prohibited, physical social gambling is excepted. By definition, it’s an activity that is conducted in person in an individual’s home involving members of the same family or friends. Such activity must be non-commercial in nature and mustn’t involve any benefits other than the thrill of winnings. More precisely, it must include any financial gains.

Popular Games & Rewards Programs

With thousands of slot machines, hundreds of table games, and an abundance of electronic table games, it’s quite obvious that casinos in Singapore are designed to treat every player with top-class entertainment.

Some of the one-armed bandits that can be explored include Cash Cove Fish On, Lightning Link, Ocean Magic, Duo Fu Duo Cai / Da Fu Da Gui, Good Fortune Progressive Jackpot, and others.

Baccarat, No-Commission Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Sic Bo, Singapore Stud Poker, Money Wheel, Pontoon, Three Pictures, 7UP Baccarat, Power Baccarat, Texas Hold'em Bonus, Progressive, Three Card Poker, Craps, and Mini-Dice are just some of the sophisticated table games visitors can try luck with.

Worth noting is that both resorts offer exclusive rewards schemes with a wide range of perks. Marina Bay Sands features Sands Rewards with 5 levels of advancement- Premier, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Paiza Gold. RWS has Genting Rewards with redeemable Genting Dollars, which can be converted into exclusive rewards that get even more exceptional as the membership tiers rise.

Payment Options

Marina Bay Sands accepts both debit and credit cards, telegraphic transfers, and cash. If interested in converting the funds, you can approach the Front Desk for foreign exchange or use ATMs available around The Shoppes and the casino. It is also possible to change money at Far East Exchange at two more locations. The local currency is called Singapore Dollar (SGD).

Resorts World Sentosa accepts cards and cash payments, and of course, has ATMs as well. What needs to be mentioned is that in February 2024 the resort expanded the partnership with Alipay+, so that tourists can use a variety of e-wallets at the property. It remains unclear, though, whether they can be used at attractions only or in casinos as well.