If you are looking for a quick guide to gambling in Singapore casinos, then this blog will get you started. We also review each of Singapore’s casinos individually!
Singapore was a relatively late entrant to the world of casino gambling, perhaps due to the culture’s traditional conservative attitude of hard work and discipline. A traveller can perhaps best observe this through its ban of chewing gum. Yet, not long after the first casino was launched in 2010, Singapore grew to be a world-favoured gambling destination, standing today as the fourth in the world for gambling revenue, after the US, Macau and Canada.
There may be only two main casinos in Singapore, both integrated with resorts, but the industry is by no means small.
As one can expect of this island nation that is located in between Malaysia and Indonesia, casinos are an opulent affair, featuring lavish accommodation, glamorous gambling halls, and other world-class leisure activities that are worth checking out in case your luck at the table isn’t going so well. Just off the shore, casinos can also be found in cruises floating on international waters.
Whilst travellers aged 21 and above can play their hearts out at the integrated casino-resorts for free, local Singaporeans are subject to paying an entry levy to visit any one of the casinos, which costs S$150 daily or S$3000 annually. The fees are collected by the Singapore Totalisator Board to contribute towards charity and public funds.
So whether you’re just on a quick layover or considering Singapore as your next holiday destination, these are the places to immerse yourself into hours, days or nights of some gambling fun. If you want to play online casinos via you mobile in Singapore, then check out some of the options available to you here.
Resorts World Sentosa
Genting Singapore – Asia’s biggest gambling operator – was the first player to Singapore’s casino-resort industry, with its launch of Resorts World Sentosa in 2010, on the southern island of Sentosa.
With the launch of its casino on the auspicious first day of Chinese New Year, this integrated resort has quickly grown to be a world-class attraction with the addition of a Universal Studios theme park, the S.E.A. Aquarium (featuring the world’s second-largest oceanarium), the Adventure Cove Waterpark, Dolphin Island and more attractions to draw visitors of all ages.
Travellers can choose to spend the night on Sentosa in one of their six hotels, each one designed with a different theme. There is also a range of fine dining options catering to every palette.
The casino floor itself extends over 15,000 square meters (160,000 square feet) covering four floors. There are 506 table games and more than 2,400 slot machines (or jackpot machines, as referred to locally), and if you’re keen on playing poker, you best stay put as Resorts World Sentosa has the only poker room in Singapore. Don’t forget to sign up for the Genting Rewards loyalty programme if you plan on spending a while in the casino.
Those travelling with kids will be pleased to know that there are plenty of attractions to suit the little ones, such as the original 3D artwork in the Trick Eye Museum. Parents can also drop them off at the resort’s Kids Club for a few uninterrupted hours at the poker tables.
When you’re ready to take a break from gambling, climb aboard the Royal Albatross – Asia’s only luxury Tall Ship – for a unique dinner cruise around Sentosa Island and Marina Bay.
Marina Bay Sands
This iconic hotel is a notable part of Singapore’s skyline, but perhaps what’s more impressive is that when it was launched in 2010 by Las Vegas Sands Corporation, it held the title of the world’s most expensive casino property.
Along with its 24-hour casino, the luxury resort offers 2,561 rooms and an adjoining shopping mall, a theatre, a museum, floating crystal pavilions, and over 45 restaurants, as well as regular art and science exhibits.
With a similar floor size to its competing casino, Marina Bay Sands Casino is considered to be larger with 500 gaming tables and 1,600 jackpot machines, along with 30 private gaming rooms. This casino is well-known to have some of the world’s most advanced gaming machines, which span over 250 titles and themes.
There is even an area for non-smokers to enjoy gambling in. While you’re there, don’t forget to look up; the casino is lit by one of the world’s biggest chandeliers, boasting 130,000 Swarovski crystals.
The casino has a smart and casual dress code, which means you won’t be allowed in with shorts, flip flops or sleeveless shirts. The loyalty program – the Sands Rewards Club – allows members to earn points and dollars in the casino, which can be redeemed for dining, entertainment, shopping or accommodation.
For a break from the machines, head up to the Insta-famous Marina Bay Sands Skypark for a swim in the rooftop infinity pool, as you look over a magnificent view of the Singapore skyline.
Aegean Paradise Cruise
The newest addition to the casino scene and our guide to gambling in Singapore casinos is a gambling ship that was originally built to serve as a passenger ferry, but today stands stationary on the high sea, catering to day and night visitors of all ages with a range of amenities.
Formerly known as MV Leisure World, the Aegean Paradise Cruise it is one of the only floating casinos that remains close to Singapore and we thought it was certainly worth adding to our travellers guide to gambling in Sinapore. The casino has 200 gaming machines and around 40 tables offering games including blackjack, baccarat, sic bo and roulette.
This floating casino is particularly popular amongst the older Singaporean population. This could be attributed to the fact that unlike the two integrated resorts, locals do not have to pay the entrance levy fee to gamble aboard as the ship is stationed in international waters. A two-way ferry ticket costs around S$53 (with concession fares available), which includes a Chinese buffet in the onboard Pacific Restaurant.
Guests can also choose from three cabin classes for an overnight stay, starting at S$40 per night for a 2-person cabin. Keep in mind that pregnant women are not allowed to board the cruise for safety reasons.
Singapore continues to update its gaming regulations, with governance transitioning from the Singapore Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) to the Gambling Regulatory Authority in early 2021. However, both its integrated resorts have their eyes set on expansion.
Round-Up: Traveler’s Guide to Gambling in Singapore Casinos
Given the plethora of activities they are currently on offer, it is no surprise that Singapore continues to draw international patrons who, along with an expanding local gambling crowd, keep Singapore’s casino scene amongst the top in the world.