The Best 10 Online Casinos in Singapore

Are Casinos Legal in Singapore?

Singapore has many gambling rules and regulations set in place. Several different acts oversee these. Casino games are referred to as gambling products. For example, poker and related casino games come under the Common Gaming Houses Act. There are several land-based casinos in Singapore.

While residents are allowed to play at the two casinos licensed in Singapore, they are discouraged from doing so. If they do want to attend either of these casinos, they have to pay a daily fee. Or, there is an option that they can pay a yearly fee. Although casino play is available, it is limited.

Gambling Restrictions in Singapore

In Singapore, heavy restrictions put on online gambling open the doors to illegal casinos. There are online gambling sites that are not licensed that will offer online casino action for Singapore residents. Many players are tempted to take advantage of this without realizing the risks.

Those who play at an unlicensed online casino are vulnerable. There is no governing body to protect them against the illegal actions of these casinos. There are no rules they have to stick to. They do not practice fair gaming rules, and they may not even submit the payouts to winners.

Favorite Casino Games in Singapore

Singaporean players have access to hundreds of different casino games. But the following options seem to be the preferred games, especially in live casinos.

Slots

Slot machines are available in virtually any online casino designed for bettors from Singapore. Slots are some of the easiest games to learn and can be very profitable. They are based on reels and multiple pay lines.

Sic Bo

The simple game of chance is played with dice. The gameplay involves placing chips on a bet box at the Sic Bo's table. The dealer shakes the dice, and if the results match the bet, the player wins the game.

Different kinds of bets require different strategies. The odds of each wager are indicated to help new players understand the game. The lower the odds, the greater the chance of winning.

Keno

Keno is a game of cards/balls designated with numbers 1 through 8. The player should mark as many numbers as the maximum limit allows.

Then they place bets as per their choices. About 20 balls are drawn, and prizes are paid based on the numbers selected by each lucky player. The more the matching numbers, the higher the potential payout.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a card game and a popular option for new Singaporean players. It entails predicting the outcome of a large pot. Punto Banco is the most common form of baccarat in Singapore. It has attractive odds, starting at 8:1.

Roulette

The widely played roulette has simple rules and a broad spectrum of bets. Whether offline or online, the fun is the same while playing roulette.

Popular Casino Bonuses in Singapore

Singaporean players are usually awarded online casino bonuses depending on their deposits and the outcome of their bets. These rewards are designed to boost their bankrolls and improve their chances of winning. Here are various offers Singaporean players can expect.

• Sign-up/welcome bonus: Granted when registering at a casino online.
• Deposit bonus: A deposit bonus is a reward for paying a particular sum of money for betting.
• No-deposit bonus: Some casinos give away real-money bonuses to players even before they make a deposit. A no-deposit bonus allows the player to test the games for free. Most no-deposit bonuses carry higher wagering requirements.
• Reload bonus: Customers who have successfully played and won various games are offered an extra bankroll amount. It may not be as big as the welcome offer, but it still increases the chance of winning real money.
• Loyalty bonus: Loyal players who have played consistently are granted this special bonus as a token of appreciation.
• Game-specific bonus: Some promotions are limited to specific game titles. For instance, free spins work for slots, while other bonuses are exclusive to live dealer games.
• VIP bonus: High-tier players have more privileges than regular players. VIP bonuses can include cashback, luxurious gifts, and trips.

History of Gambling in Singapore

Gambling in Singapore started in the colonial era when the British government legalised casinos in 1923. However, it was restricted shortly after due to misconduct and gambling addictions that increased by the day.

At that time, only horse racing and lotteries were allowed. A breakthrough happened in April 2005 when the government invited interested parties to establish gaming arenas on Sentosa island.

The project aimed to improve Singapore's tourism and entertainment sector, which was lagging compared to Malaysia and Thailand. On February 14, 2006, the Casino Control Act legalized gambling again.

Two integrated casino resorts were established in Singapore for the first time in 2010. Casino Resorts World Sentosa was launched in February 2010. Two months later, Casino Marina Bay Sands was opened as one of the world's most luxurious buildings with a Skypark.

Gambling in Singapore Nowadays

The Ministry of Finance has mandated the CRA (Casino Regulatory Authority) to ensure fairness and order in casinos. In addition, the Singapore National Council on Problem Gambling is in charge of educating the gambling community.

Three measures help prevent gambling addiction in the country: exclusion by law, exclusion upon family request, and self-exclusion. The minimum exclusion period is one year.

Today, the two legally operating casinos welcome tourists without charging an entrance fee. But Singaporeans have to pay a one-time annual fee of $2,000 or $100 per entry. Only those who are 21 years and above are allowed to engage in gambling activities. The casinos operate 24 hours a day, offering slot machines, Sic Bo, Fortune Wheel, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Pontoon, Pai Gow, and Tai Sai.

The government is yet to regulate online casinos. Nonetheless, many Singaporean players enjoy casino games at international gambling sites, making the country a prime market for casino gaming.

Future of Online Casinos in Singapore

There's hope for regulating the online gambling market in Singapore, as signaled in a document submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in 2014. The paper proposed limiting access to offshore casino sites and establishing state-licensed casino websites.

Presumably, these licensed casinos would fill the loopholes for betting platforms run by overseas operators. Considering the Tourism Board embraces gaming as part of Singaporean culture, the traditional attitude towards casinos is changing. Growth in the gaming industry is undeniable, and operators strive to be visible to attract a tech-savvy audience.

Singapore enjoys top-notch fiber optic connectivity of a 5G network. This presents endless opportunities for casino providers to integrate a seamless esports betting experience. Video games are no longer viewed as mere hobbies but rather as a source of revenue.

There's a need to introduce contactless gaming solutions to eliminate the physical withdrawal of winnings. For this matter, land-based casinos in Singapore are likely to migrate from physical outlets to web-based platforms. New technologies will be the mainstream when that happens, and this will change the whole casino gaming experience. A new breed of multiplayer games is also expected.

Responsible Gambling

It is easy to lose track of time and money in the game when playing online casino games. The good news is that there is always support available to help players play responsibly.

The following strategies will help players to remain safe if they decide to gamble:

1. Think of gambling as a fun pastime rather than a way to make money.
2. Set a budget; this will make it less likely to lose more than you can afford.
3. Set a time limit beforehand.
4. Avoid gambling when feeling under the weather.
5. Engage in other fun activities.

If you or someone you know is suffering from gambling issues, please visit BeGambleAware for more information and support, or contact NCPG for assistance.