Gambling in Singapore

January 19, 2023 Singapore iGaming & Gambling

Gambling in Singapore: A Look at the Landscape and Regulations

Singapore is a country that has always had a complex relationship with gambling. While the government has traditionally taken a strict stance on gambling, in recent years, it has begun to loosen some of its regulations and restrictions. This has led to a growing gambling industry in the country, but with some notable limitations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the current state of gambling in Singapore and the regulations that govern it.

The first thing to understand about gambling in Singapore is that it is heavily regulated. The government controls all forms of gambling through the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CRA is responsible for the regulation and licensing of casino activities, while the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees all other forms of gambling. This includes lotteries, sports betting, and horse racing.

The most significant form of gambling in Singapore is the casino industry. The country currently has two integrated resorts with casinos: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Both of these resorts are regulated by the CRA and are the only places in Singapore where casino gambling is legal. Visitors must be at least 21 years old and must purchase a daily or annual entry levy to enter the casinos. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are required to pay a higher daily entry levy of SGD100, while others need to pay SGD150 per 24 hours.

While the casino industry is legal and regulated in Singapore, other forms of gambling such as online gambling, sports betting, and gaming machines are illegal. The government has taken a strong stance against these forms of gambling and has implemented strict penalties for those who are caught participating in them. This includes fines and even imprisonment.

Despite the strict regulations and penalties, there is a significant amount of illegal gambling that takes place in Singapore. This includes online gambling and sports betting, which are popular among Singaporeans. The government has been cracking down on illegal gambling in recent years, but it remains a problem.

In conclusion, gambling in Singapore is heavily regulated by the government. The casino industry is the only form of gambling that is legal and regulated, and there are strict penalties in place for those who participate in illegal gambling. However, despite the regulations, illegal gambling remains a significant problem in Singapore. As the government continues to loosen its restrictions on gambling, it will be interesting to see how the gambling industry in Singapore evolves in the coming years.