| Updated: October 31, 2025Singapore is a sovereign island city-state located in Southeast Asia. It has a population of more than 5.5 million and is an attractive tourist destination. Singapore boasts a stable economy and is widely regarded as the world’s third-largest gambling destination. If you plan to visit Singapore, you should know that the city-state is home to two of the most luxurious land-based casinos.
However, Singapore enforces very strict regulations on gambling, and the line between legal and illegal activities is thin. In 2022, the Singapore Parliament enacted new gambling legislation, creating a single regulatory authority for all forms of gambling. In this article, we discuss the legal and illegal forms of gambling as well as the penalties for players and operators who violate Singapore’s gambling laws.
Best Singapore Online Casinos
In Singapore, online gambling is illegal unless it is offered by an exempt operator. At the time of writing, the only operators licensed to provide gambling services to residents are Singapore Pools and the Singapore Turf Club. If a Singapore resident places a bet with an offshore online casino, they may be fined up to $5,000 and imprisoned for up to six months.
Nevertheless, many overseas-licensed online casinos welcome Singaporean players. Many casino enthusiasts from the city-state use proxy servers to mask their IP addresses. By doing so, they circumvent the law and access offshore gambling sites. Check our list of the top gambling sites that accept players from Singapore.
Best Casino Bonuses for Singaporean Players
In 2013, the Singaporean government announced plans to block foreign-licensed gambling sites, online gambling advertisements, and financial transactions to offshore web-based casinos. However, at the time of writing, Singaporeans can still access numerous foreign-licensed gambling sites, with some even offering support in Mandarin. Casino enthusiasts from Singapore often choose these offshore sites because of the generous promotions available.
Welcome Bonus No Deposit Bonus Reload Bonus Cashback Bonus Loyalty SchemeWelcome Bonus
Although few web-based casinos provide no-deposit bonuses, most operators reward new registrants with welcome offers. To claim a sign-up offer, players must deposit funds into their casino accounts; the package usually includes a match deposit bonus and free spins. The Welcome Bonus carries wagering requirements that players must meet before they can withdraw any winnings. In addition, casino fans from Singapore should pay attention to individual game weightings.
No Deposit Bonus
Some gambling sites offer no-deposit bonuses to attract newcomers. This type of bonus lets players try out a web-based casino without risking their own funds. Those who claim a no-deposit bonus typically receive free spins or bonus cash. Keep in mind that the no-deposit bonus usually comes with higher wagering requirements. You may also be required to make a deposit before you can cash out any winnings. Additionally, operators often impose a maximum withdrawal limit.
Reload Bonus
Existing players can benefit from various reload bonuses. In most cases, you will need to deposit funds into your account to claim one. Reload bonuses typically match your deposit by a specific percentage up to a maximum amount. Some offers also include free spins that can be used on designated slot games. As with other promotions, reload bonuses are subject to wagering requirements.
Cashback Bonus
Cashback bonuses allow players to recover a small percentage of their losses over a defined period. Because few gambling sites provide this type of promotion, be sure to check the bonus section for current offers. Most operators do not attach wagering requirements to cashback bonuses, meaning you can withdraw the refunded amount immediately. Note, however, that cashback bonuses are not always wager-free.
Loyalty Scheme
Many web-based casinos feature VIP schemes that reward existing Singaporean players for their loyalty. Casino fans earn comp points every time they place a real-money wager, and the rate at which points accrue depends on the games played. Once you accumulate a certain number of points, you can exchange them for bonus funds or, depending on the casino’s policy, real cash. VIP programs typically consist of multiple levels, and players can advance to higher tiers of the program by earning more comp points.
Casino Regulation in Singapore
Singapore was a British colony for 144 years. The city-state is often associated with the so-called “gambling farms” where cockfighting took place. In 1856, cockfighting was outlawed and all “gambling farms” were closed. In 1923, gambling was legalized in Singapore; however, this led to a dramatic increase in problem gambling. Three years later, gambling was outlawed again. In 1963, Singapore declared independence from Britain, which did not affect its anti-gambling laws. Over the years, multiple proposals to regulate the gambling industry were introduced, but all were declined by the government. In 1968, Singapore Pools was established and licensed as the sole operator authorized to run lottery games in the city-state. For a long time, lottery games were the only legal form of gambling in Singapore.
In 2005, Singapore finally lifted the ban on casino gambling in an effort to boost tourism and reduce unemployment. Many people, however, were concerned about the negative consequences of legalizing casino gambling; therefore, the Singaporean government introduced strict measures to prevent gambling problems.
Under these provisions, only two integrated resorts (IRs) were allowed to open in Singapore. An integrated resort may have a gaming area occupying no more than 5% of its total floor space. Residents must pay a daily fee of $100 or $2,000 per year to enter either of the two gambling establishments. At that time, the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) was established to oversee the two integrated resorts located in Marina South and Sentosa. In 2019, the entry levy was increased by 50% to $150 per day and $3,000 per year.
What to Expect from the Two Integrated Resorts in Singapore? Is Online Gambling Legal in Singapore? What Laws Govern Singapore’s Gambling Industry?What to Expect from the Two Integrated Resorts in Singapore?
Owned by Genting Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa opened its doors in 2010. The integrated resort features six hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and entertainment venues. The gaming area hosts 500 tables and 2,400 slots. Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and Pai Gow are just a few of the games available at Resorts World Sentosa.
Marina Bay Sands, operated by Sands China, is a $5.7-billion integrated resort that offers thousands of hotel rooms, a convention center, restaurants, luxury retailers, and a casino floor measuring 15,000 square meters. The gaming area includes 600 tables and 1,500 slot machines. Guests can enjoy not only Vegas-style casino games but also popular Chinese titles.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Singapore?
In 2014, the Remote Gambling Act was passed, banning all forms of online gambling. Under this legislation, operating online gambling platforms, processing gambling-related financial transactions, or advertising online gambling in Singapore is illegal. Casino fans who participate in unlawful gambling activities face detention for up to six months and a fine of up to $5,000. Individuals who run illegal gambling operations can be fined and imprisoned for up to seven years.
However, growing interest in online gambling prompted amendments to the law. In 2016, the Singaporean government permitted two local operators – Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club – to offer online gambling services to residents. As a result, players from Singapore can legally wager online on Toto, 4D, soccer, F1, and horse racing through the websites of Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.
What Laws Govern Singapore’s Gambling Industry?
Singapore has enacted several gambling laws, each covering different types of wagering. The Common Gaming Houses Act bans all common gaming houses, public gaming, and public lotteries, yet it does not clearly distinguish between “gambling” and “gaming.” Under this act, a “common gambling house” is any place where gaming activities occur and that is open to the general public.
The Betting Act prohibits betting in common betting houses, defining a “common betting house” as any premises used for betting or wagering purposes. The Private Lotteries Act outlaws all private lotteries unless a permit is granted by the police. The main difference between public and private lotteries is that the latter are open only to members of a particular society.
As mentioned earlier, the Casino Control Act regulates the two integrated resorts in Singapore, while the Remote Gambling Act prohibits all forms of remote gambling unless the activity is licensed or exempted.
Social and physical gaming is allowed in Singapore. For a gaming activity to be considered “physical,” it must be conducted in person within one’s home. Gambling among family members and friends is also legal as long as it remains non-commercial.
In March 2022, Parliament passed the Gambling Control Act 2022 and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act 2022, establishing a new regulatory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), to oversee all forms of gambling.
The new Gambling Control Act clearly defines social gaming and introduces harsher penalties for illegal gambling. Under the updated rules, it is a criminal offense to participate in gambling activities if you are under the legal gambling age of 21.