Gambling is popular all over Asia, with Macau being the traditional centre for glamorous casinos and high stakes rollers. But Singapore has risen in popularity as a casino destination as well. Singapore is famous for having stringent laws affecting such things as chewing gum and e-cigarettes – possession of either of these things will land you a hefty fine, and possible jail time. So it comes as no surprise that gambling is heavily regulated – in fact it has only been legal for a few years. The authorities have realised that regulated gambling is safer gambling, and also a lucrative, taxable part of the industry. Singapore may only have two active, licensed casinos – Resort World Casino and Marina Bay Sands – but it turns over multiple billions every year.
History of gambling in Singapore
Singapore’s rank as the second-largest Asian gambling zone after Macau may seem a little unlikely, especially when you consider that the Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore was only set up in 2008, and casinos -just two of them- only opened in 2010. But of course, legal or otherwise, gambling has always been a popular pursuit in the city-state. In the early 1800s, the British rulers of Singapore banned cockfights and outlawed gambling dens, bringing in a system of regulation by 1820. In the 20th century, a series of legislative measures were introduced, including the Private Lotteries Act of 1952 and the Common Gaming House Act of 1961. Common gaming houses are illegal operations under Singaporean law. In 2006 the Casino Control Act was passed, lifting a 40-year ban on gambling, and allowing the city to grant special licenses for legal gambling venues. There are only two casinos in Singapore, but they are both enormous and among the two most expensive built in the world.
Legal status
There are only two licensed land-based casinos in Singapore. It is illegal to place bets in any other land-based establishment, and as these places are unregulated they put punters at risk. Online casinos were outlawed by the Remote Gambling Bill of 2014, but two companies were given an exemption to operate. A shakeup next year looks likely to define the rules more clearly. Currently, online casinos operating out of other countries are not technically illegal in Singapore. But it makes sense to do some research and find casinos that don’t have restrictions for Singaporeans making withdrawals and accessing special prizes.
Resort World Casino
The world looked on in shock as the Resort World Casino opened in 2010. First, the Singaporean government had allowed dancing in bars. Then they had a Formula One Grand Prix. And now a casino! Famously averse to vice, the moralistic government seems to want to limit the revelry to foreigners – admission price for Singaporeans is an eye-watering $100. Built on Sentosa Island, a mere ten minutes journey from the central business district, Resort World is a vast place, featuring more than just a casino. There are restaurants serving food from all over the globe, but with emphasis on the unique culinary makeup of Singapore itself – Indian flavours mingling with Chinese and Malay influences. There is a beautiful aquarium and an amazing waterpark. But the casino itself is something to behold – 15,000 square metres of glamour and glitz, with no expense spared. Featuring thousands of cutting edge slot machines, with various themes lifted from all facets of popular culture, card tables offering baccarat, blackjack and poker, and roulette wheels aplenty, there is something for everyone in the casino. It cost a massive $4.5 billion to build this gambling colossus, and the results speak for themselves.
Marina Bay Sands
Opened mere months after Resort World Casino, Marina Bay Sands will be recognised by all Formula One fans, imposing itself magnificently on the Singapore skyline. Three vast towers, linked together by the iconic ‘Skypark’ – a rooftop deck 200 metres above the marina below. As well as the casino and hotel complex, Marina Bay Sands offers a vast array of other distractions, including the ArtScience museum featuring major exhibitions that blend art, science, culture and technology – recently with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability. Cinemas are dotted about the complex, there is an extensive retail space, and plenty of places to eat. And don’t forget about the famous infinity pool on the deck! As for the casino, well, it is even more monied than its nearby rival, costing $5.5 billion to build. Set over four floors, punters can enjoy the usual range of card games, slot machines, crap tables and roulette wheels, with variants and tournaments available. The casino boasts 2,400 state of the art slot machines, VIP table areas for celebrities and high-rollers, and three noodle bars in case your poker makes you peckish. Free (soft) drinks are available throughout.
Singapore’s gambling industry adds another feather in its cap as far as tourism goes. But it has also cemented itself as a serious destination for jet-setting casino players, and may usurp Macau in revenue (and appeal) in the years to come.