Heavily Regulated
Singapore allows for limited forms of gambling and only with state licensed operators. Gambling in Singapore is regulated primarily by the Casino Control Act 2006 (“CCA”) for casino gambling, and the Gambling Control Act 2022 (“GCA”) for all other forms of gambling, whether land-based or online. Oversight of the gambling landscape is exercised by a single regulator in the form of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore (“GRA”), a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Among other things, the GRA is empowered to grant licences to parties which operate and offer games of chance, and class licences to parties engaged in lower-risk gambling offerings.

Market Size
For casino gambling, the gaming revenue at Singapore’s two integrated resorts was reported to be S$1.41 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

For non-casino gambling, the amount spent betting on lotteries and sports such as football in Singapore totalled S$10.3 billion in the financial year ended in March 2023. Singapore Pools (Private) Limited (“Singapore Pools”) remains the only legalised lottery and sports betting operator in Singapore.

In addition to Singapore Pools, there are various private clubs which are licensed to operate jackpot machines and other games like bingo and sweepstakes. These clubs all declare their revenue separately in their annual reports.

Competitive Landscape
There are only two licensed casino gaming services operators in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. The GCA does not prescribe restrictions on the number of licences that may be granted. However, Section 41(1) of the CCA provides that only two casino licences are to be in force at any particular time, at least until 31 December 2030.

In the non-casino gaming sphere, Singapore Pools is the only gambling operator authorised by the GRA to conduct and offer legalised remote and terrestrial gambling services, namely betting on sports and horse racing and public lotteries. Additionally, private establishments may also be granted licences to offer slot machines at their premises.

Localisation
Cash and e-payments are both used as means of payment of bets. Credit betting is prohibited, save for credit which a licensed casino may provide to premium players or players who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Singapore. All forms of advertising, marketing and promotion of gambling in Singapore are subject to the approval of the GRA.

Top Key Attractions and Challenges
Attractions

• Stable government
• Relatively low corporate and casino tax rate, no capital gains tax
• Excellent reputation as business hub and financial capital in Asia
• Excellent air connectivity, no tourist visas required for stays under 90 days
• Great weather, summer all year round

Challenges

• Strong anti-unlicensed gambling stance by Singapore government
• Low prospect of licences being awarded to private, for-profit commercial gambling operators
• Levy imposed on Singapore citizens and permanent residents for entry into licensed casinos
• All forms of advertising and promotion relating to gambling that is licensed or deemed unlawful under the GCA are prohibited unless otherwise approved by the GRA
• High cost of living