Laws and licenses in Asia: Singapore, Philippines, Japan

Why compare these three jurisdictions

Singapore, the Philippines and Japan present three different models: a super-rigid "compliance-first" approach (Singapore), a flexible and multi-level ecosystem (Philippines) and a "premium" model of integrated resorts with a phased launch (Japan). Understanding the differences helps to choose a strategy: where to build IR, where to place B2B infrastructure, and where to launch online products within the framework of local rules.

Whole picture - short

Singapore: strict supervision, limited terrestrial market (IR-casino), strict policy regarding remote gambling; focus on RG/AML and community advocacy.

Philippines: multi-level regulation (national and special zones), developed offline, separate modes for the online segment; high demand for B2B hosting and provisioning.

Japan: Integrated Resort (IR) licensing with extremely high investor and harm control requirements; online casinos for residents are not allowed.

Singapore: "compliance as a system"

Who regulates. Unified national gambling regulator (after reform, it combines supervision of land-based casinos, betting and remote services).

What is allowed. Land-based casinos operate only as part of integrated resorts (IR) under individual licenses. Online casinos for local gamblers are not allowed; exceptions - strictly limited and under constant monitoring.

Responsible play (RG). Mandatory self-exclusion measures, "level" restrictions for residents, strict age verification, verification of sources of funds.

Game integrity and technique. RNG/math certification, version control, immutable logs, jackpot audit, BCP/DR.

Advertising and promo. Minimal tolerance to aggressive advertising; prohibition of misleading promises, strict 18 +, correct communication of bonus conditions.

Payments and AML. Segregation of funds, KYC/KYT, strict monitoring of transactions; high requirements for corporate fitness (fit & proper).

For whom it is suitable. Large IR investors and brands with a high compliance culture; B2B suppliers with a "white" portfolio.

Philippines: A "tiered ecosystem"

Who regulates. The national gambling regulator and (in selected special economic zones) its own authorization/hosting schemes.

What is allowed.

Land segment: casinos and gambling halls under national licenses and in special zones.

Online segment: separate modes for working with foreign players and local products; there are requirements for software testing, payments and RG/AML.

Responsible play and consumer protection. Standard tools (limits, self-exclusion, timeouts), advertising and affiliate control.

Game integrity. Content certification, version and logging control, independent audits.

Payments and AML. Requirements for segregation of funds, reporting on transactions, crypto policies (if used).

Market features. High demand for B2B infrastructure (platforms, live studios, aggregators), various hosting models, a developed partner ecosystem.

For whom it is suitable. Brands that need a combination of offline and regulated online modes, as well as B2B providers of platforms and content.

Japan: "integrated resorts as a showcase of the country"

Who regulates. Central level with an independent casino administrative control commission and regional authorities involved in IR projects.

What is allowed.

IR casino offline: Limited number of licenses for investor + prefecture/city consortia, with deep scrutiny of RG/AML financing, sustainability and measures.

Online casinos for residents: not allowed.

RG and social measures. Strong barriers of entry for local players (age, frequency of visits, fees/restrictions), mandatory prevention programs, staff training on "host responsibility."

Game integrity and technique. Strict certification of equipment/software, version control, logs, supplier audit.

Advertising. Conservative: minimizing the impact on vulnerable groups, banning mislead, strict 18 +.

For whom it is suitable. Large IR investors and premium brands with a long horizon; for B2B - participation in the IR supply chain (cameras, tables, software, payment infrastructure).

Comparison table

Criterion	Singapore	Philippines	Japan
Market model	Limited IR casinos, online - under strict bans/exceptions	Multi-level offline + regulated online modes	IR-only licenses, resident online casinos not allowed
Admission to the online market	Generally prohibited for residents	There are jurisdiction/zone dependent regimes	No, it isn't
RG/soc. protection	Very strict, centralized	Strict, implemented through operator and areas	Very strict, with additional access barriers
RNG/RTP Certification	Mandatory, with version and log control	Mandatory incl. for B2B	Mandatory, within IR
Advertising and affiliates	Conservative, low tolerance	Strictly, but market practices are advanced	Conservatively, focus on prevention
Suitable for	IR investors, white B2B	B2C offline/online by local rules, powerful B2B	IR investors and premium suppliers

Licensing roadmaps (simplified)

Singapore (IR/Casino)

1. Consortium and IR business plan (hotels, conferences, entertainment, health and environment).

2. Fit & proper beneficiaries and key persons; confirmation of sources of funds.

3. RG/AML/KYC/KYT policies, privacy/information security, BCP/DR, IR plan "host responsibility."

4. Technical certification of platforms/equipment, contracts with providers, logging.

5. Post-license: reporting, audit, control of advertising and affiliates.

Philippines (offline/online)

1. Mode selection: national license or special zone/model.

2. Package: ownership structures, financial stability, RG/AML/KYC policies, architecture and providers.

3. Content certification (RNG/RTP), integration acts, round/payment logging.

4. Payment connection (including crypto policy if necessary), monitoring and reporting.

5. Post-license: regular audits, control of bonuses/advertising, recertification of updates.

Japan (IR)

1. Prefecture/City Partnership, Consortium, IR Master Plan and Social Impact.

2. Fit & proper, confirmation of financing, ESG obligations.

3. RG/AML/KYC complex, "host responsibility," harm prevention plan.

4. Hardware/software certification, version control, event logs.

5. Post-supervision: reporting, inspections, marketing and access control.

Compliance checklist (operator)

Transparent beneficiary structure, confirmed source of funds.
Key Functions assigned: Compliance, MLRO, InfoSec, RG-lead.
Real RG tools in the product (limits, timeouts, self-exclusion), trained support.
RNG/RTP certification, version control, immutable logs; BCP/DR and IR plan in practice.
Payments: segregation of funds, KYC/KYT, crypto policy (if applicable), SLAs on conclusions.
Advertising and affiliates: 18 +, anti-mislead, transparent T&C bonuses, creative monitoring.

Player checklist (before check-in/visit)

License and jurisdiction are explicitly stated (number, regulator).

There are limits/self-exclusion, help section, responsible contacts.

Bonus T & Cs are clear: vager, timing, games contribution, betting/withdrawal limits.

Content providers and RTP/integrity information are listed.

Payments are transparent: terms, fees, 2FA; there are no "endless checks" without reason.

There is a complaints/ADR channel and an understandable response time.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

"Paper" compliance. There are policies, but → fines/suspension do not work in the product.

Releases without recertification. Any editing of mathematics without retesting is a risk of sanctions.

Grey bonuses and advertising. Non-obvious restrictions, "easy money" - a direct path to claims.

Weak KYTs in crypto payments. Without chain analysis and off-ramp rules - blocking by payment partners.

No IR/BCP. Incidents without investigation and corrective actions - reputational losses.

Selection strategy

Highest level of reputation and social mandate: Singapore and Japan (IR).

Flexibility of models and combination of offline with regulated online: Philippines.

B2B ecosystem and hosting/aggregation: Philippines; in Singapore and Japan - participation in deliveries for IR.

Asia offers three contrasting trajectories: the ultra-strict and compact Singapore, the flexible and entrepreneurial model of the Philippines, and Japan's "flagship" IR projects. Sustainable success here is not based on launch speed, but on RG/AML maturity, content integrity, release discipline and payment transparency - regardless of the chosen jurisdiction.