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Gambling and online casinos in Singapore
Singapore is a unique example of a state where strict discipline, technology and excitement coexist under the strict control of the government.
The country has become a regional symbol of "responsible gambling," where only limited, licensed forms of gambling are allowed - under state supervision.
Legislative framework
Gambling in Singapore is regulated by several modern acts, united under the umbrella law Gambling Control Act 2022.
Main regulatory documents:1. The Gambling Control Act (2022) is the main law governing all types of gambling, including online, offline and lottery.
2. Casino Control Act (2006) - sets the rules for the operation of casinos and licensing operators.
3. Remote Gambling Act (2014) - prohibits online gambling, except for specially permitted operators.
4. The Common Gaming Houses Act (1953) is the oldest law restricting underground casinos.
Key points:- gambling is only permitted with a Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) license;
- only two casinos operate legally - Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa;
- online gambling is prohibited except for Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club;
- violators face up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to SGD 700,000 (~ $520,000);
- there is an "Exclusion Orders" program - a voluntary or mandatory ban on visiting casinos for citizens with gambling addiction.
Casino industry
Marina Bay Sands Casino
operated by Las Vegas Sands Corporation;- has 600 gaming tables and more than 2,500 machines;
- is part of a 5-resort with a hotel, conference center and SkyPark;
annual income - about SGD 2.5 billion ($1.8 billion).
Resorts World Sentosa
owned by Genting Singapore;- offers more than 1,500 slot machines and 500 tables;
- includes the Universal Studios and Oceanarium park;
actively focused on Asian VIP players.
Both casinos generate more than SGD 1 billion in taxes annually for the state, providing about 10,000 jobs.
Online gambling
In Singapore, online gambling is officially banned under the Remote Gambling Act (2014).
The exception is two state platforms operating under strict control:1. Singapore Pools - online lotteries, sports betting (football, F1).
2. Singapore Turf Club - Horse Racing Stakes.
Any other sites are considered illegal.
Locks are carried out at the level of Internet providers and financial gateways.
Real situation:- offshore sites (Bet365, 1xBet, BK8, Parimatch) are blocked regularly;
- using VPNs and cryptocurrencies to circumvent restrictions is punishable by law;
- police actively monitor transactions and advertisements of illegal casinos;
- in 2024, over 12,000 domains and more than 500 Telegram groups were blocked.
Control and supervision
Gambling is regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), a single body created in 2022.
Its functions include:- casino and lottery licensing;
- audit of operators;
- oversight of Responsible Gambling;
- cyber monitoring of illegal sites;
- interaction with Interpol and neighboring countries (Malaysia, Philippines).
Control over taxes and licenses is carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Taxation
Fighting illegal operators
Singapore has comprehensive cybersecurity and financial controls:- blocking IP addresses and payment gateways;
- monitoring of crypto transfers via MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore);
- "ad filtering" - any mention of online casinos in the media, social networks and search is punishable by fines;
- criminal liability not only for organizers, but also for players.
From 2020 to 2024, more than 600 citizens who participated in illegal online games were convicted.
Social Policy and Responsible Gaming
Singapore is a global example of ethical gambling.
Strict restrictions apply to all players:- casino entry for Singaporean citizens costs an entry fee of SGD 150/day or SGD 3000/annual subscription;
- players with debts automatically fall under the Self-Exclusion Order;
- there is a National Council to Combat Gambling Addiction (NCPG);
- online platforms are required to use addiction pattern recognition algorithms.
Singapore actively invests in educational campaigns against gambling addiction, funding psychological care and rehabilitation centres.
Economic role
Although gambling accounts for less than 1% of the country's GDP, it remains a strategically important tourism sector.
More than 15 million tourists visit Singapore annually, including VIP casino guests.
The gambling sector brings about SGD 4.2 billion ($3.1 billion) per year.
Licensed operators fund government development funds and social programs.
Development prospects
The Singapore government adheres to a strategy of "tight control - minimal risk," but is considering limited digitalization of legal forms of gambling.
Potential steps to 2030:1. Development of "Digital Casino Model" - virtual halls with personality control.
2. Expansion of Singapore Pools functionality for international betting.
3. Using blockchain to track transactions and combat money laundering.
4. Introduction of licenses for eSports betting and virtual tournaments.
Singapore is a model of smart gambling regulation, where discipline and responsibility are prioritised over profit.
Casinos here are not just entertainment, but a carefully calibrated element of the national economy and image.
Online gambling is prohibited, but the state does not exclude the gradual introduction of secure digital solutions.
where excitement exists not against the laws, but because of them.
