Casinos in Singapore: Everything you Need to Know

Singapore has developed into one of the most attractive financial hubs in the world. A major global player in the East, the rise that Singapore has enjoyed in the last fifty years has been nothing short of meteoric.

Once part of the vast British Empire, Singapore gained its independence in the 1960s and has since become one of the most culturally enriched countries in the world. 

The majority of locals who live in Singapore are practising Buddhists, and it is against Buddhist culture to partake in any form of gambling activity. However, gambling has always played a role in some elements of society. 

In recent times gambling laws have been relaxed slightly and in this article we will reveal everything you need to know about gambling in Singapore. 

History of gambling in Singapore 

Under British rule, gambling was briefly legalised in Singapore back in 1922, but after three years, British officials quickly scaled back on the decision as there was a fear that gambling addictions were starting to have a negative impact on society.

However, those who wanted to gamble could do so by going on dedicated cruises that would take place within international waters and outside of normal Singapore laws. 

As Singapore gained its independence, the new Singaporean government wanted to bring back legalised gambling in some forms, and local residents could gamble via the government lottery and at selected horse racing tracks. 

In the early 2000s, gambling lifts off in Singapore 

With Singapore starting to become a hugely attractive place for Westerners to live and work, as well as the rise of Macau further East, lawmakers in Singapore decided to take further steps in legalising gambling. In 2005, it was announced that two new super hotels would be built in Singapore Marina that would allow gambling activities to take place.

Allowed under the proviso that the hotels would also allow for other entertainment facilities, the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa were opened in 2010.

With the opening of these two new super hotels, all of the world’s most popular gambling games, such as roulette, blackjack, craps, and baccarat, could all be played without any fear or reprisal. The two hotels still remain two of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

Online gambling options still remain limited 

Despite the huge relaxation of gambling laws in traditional casino establishments, online gambling still remains a little tricky to do when in the country. 

Only online gambling sites that are permitted and operated by the official Singaporean government are allowed, which does mean that popular gambling providers such as PokerStars are currently outlawed. 

While there are some sites that can be accessed, the government is constantly on the lookout for any sites that they deem illegal, and many of these sites are beginning to be outlawed. 

What does the future look like for casinos in Singapore?

With Singapore firmly positioned as one of the financial hubs of the world, the influx of Western workers to this beautiful city looks like showing few signs of slowing. 

Balancing Western cultures with the strict Eastern religions does require some effort, but in the future there could be an increased clamour for online gambling laws to be eased or even the building of new casino hotels. 

As many countries have identified, gambling can provide vital revenues and help with other issues such as tourism and employment.

With the sheer amount of investment in Singapore, the need for extra gambling incentives isn’t essential, but in order to align itself with other parts of the world, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anybody should gambling become a bigger part of Singapore culture.