Everything You Need to Know About the Casino Laws
Gambling in Singapore is strictly legislated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Licensing and regulation has been delegated to the Gambling Regulatory Authority since 2022, established to control the industry and provide oversight.
Unregulated gambling activities and online casinos are prohibited by law in Singapore, which is applicable to both operators and participants alike, under penalty of heavy fines and prison terms. These penalties clearly serve as a deterrent, reflecting the government’s stance that gambling should be discouraged, unless the activity is legally permitted and controlled.
GRA
- Illegal – Social gambling in public places.
- Illegal – Online gambling including online casinos and sports betting, plus online social gambling.
- Illegal – Placing bets with unlicensed gambling service providers.
- Legal – Gambling at integrated resort (IR) land-based casinos, of which there are currently two in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa.
- Legal – Gaming machines licensed and regulated by GRA.
- Legal – Lotteries operated by Singapore Pools: 4D, TOTO, Singapore Sweep.
- Legal – Sports betting operated by Singapore Pools.
- Legal – Betting on horse races at the Singapore Turf Club, operated by the Singapore Totalisator Board.
- Legal – Social gambling between friends or family, but only in private homes.
Based on our in-depth research and looking ahead to the future, we don’t foresee any sweeping changes to gambling laws in Singapore. Given that laws and regulations were updated as recently as 2022, save for any amendments, online casinos appear set to be banned for years to come.
While it may be frustrating to discover that you can’t play at online casinos in Singapore, we do appreciate and understand the rigid stance on gambling in this country. The government has ensured that residents and operators know exactly where they stand legally, avoiding the mire of uncertainty that can often be found in other countries.
Gambling in Singapore
The core legal stance in Singapore is that gambling is prohibited, unless licensed and regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which applies whether the gambling activity is conducted physically or online. Operating or participating at online casinos in Singapore is illegal.
In Singapore, illegal gambling websites are actively blocked and activities are monitored. The only legal sports betting and lotteries available are operated by Singapore Pools, both at physical venues and online. As integrated resorts, the only legally operating land-based casinos are at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.
Given that gambling laws are strictly enforced in Singapore, including heavy fines and even prison terms as punishment, it’s important for us to stress that you should avoid all forms of illegal gambling, which includes online casinos – it’s not worth the risk!
Gambling History and Future
Gambling was originally permitted through the British colonial era, although various criminal activities and problem gambling issues led to a crackdown by authorities. Laws were introduced in 1960 and 1961 designed to suppress gambling activity, which remained in force long after Singapore became an independent republic in 1965.
Eventually, the National Council on Problem Gambling was established in 2005, recognizing the need for such a body. Attempting to modernize laws and provide clarity, Singapore introduced the Casino Control Act in 2006, the Private Lotteries Act in 2011, and the Remote Gambling Act in 2011.
Under the Gambling Control Act of 2022, all previous legislature was amended and consolidated. This was accompanied by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act, making the GRA responsible for the licensing and regulation of all legal gambling activities, with enforcement powers to prohibit and sanction illegal gambling activities.
Singapore Flag
- 2005 – National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) launched. Roles include exclusions and visit limits, public education and outreach, problem gambling research, prevention and treatment services for problem gamblers and their families.
- 2006 – Casino Control Act (CCA), an act to make provision for the operation and regulation of casinos and gaming in casinos; to establish the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore, to provide for its functions and powers.
- 2011 – Private Lotteries Act (PLA), an act to repeal and re-enact the original 1985 Private Lotteries act, provide control and levy of taxes on lotteries, plus consequential amendments to certain other written laws.
- 2014 – Remote Gambling Act (RGA), an act to regulate remote gambling and remote gambling services affecting Singapore, including amendments to certain other laws related to gambling in Singapore.
- 2022 – Gambling Control Act (GCA), an act to consolidate the law on the suppression of various forms of unlawful gambling services outside of casinos, repeals Betting Act 1960, Common Gaming Houses Act 1961, Private Lotteries Act 2011, Remote Gambling Act 2014, and make consequential amendments to Casino Control Act 2006.
- 2022 – Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act (GRAA), an act to reconstitute the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore, modify the functions of the Singapore Totalisator Board, make consequential and related amendments to certain other acts.
Based on our in-depth research an analysis of the Gambling Control Act, and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore Act, we don’t foresee any moves to legalize online casinos any time soon. These acts were only introduced in 2022 and Singaporean authorities remain vigilant, penalizing and prosecuting organizations or individuals who break the law.
While the current regulatory regime and prohibition of online gambling may seem harsh, we respect the transparency provided by the Singaporean government. Statutes, regulations, and laws are published at the GRA website, for the avoidance of any doubt or uncertainty.
Conclusion
Unlike many countries where laws are unclear about online casinos, at least in Singapore, both residents and operators know exactly where they stand. Unless licensed and regulated by the GRA, all forms of gambling are considered illegal. Our best advice is to stay safe, and avoid participation at illegal casino sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that you now have a clearer understanding of gambling laws and regulations in Singapore, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Below, you can find answers to some of the most popular questions asked by our readers.
Is online gambling in Singapore legal?
No, online gambling is prohibited in Singapore. The sole exceptions are lotteries and sports betting via the Singapore Pools website, which is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority. All other forms of online gambling are considered unlicensed and illegal, with stiff penalties for operators and participants.
Can I bet on sports from Singapore?
The only legal sports betting available in Singapore is via the Singapore Pools, both physically and online, which is licensed and regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
Written By Heath Chesters