This guide to online casinos in Singapore explains what gambling activities are legally permitted in the country. We cover the Gambling Control Act 2022, the casinos at Singapore’s two integrated resorts, authorised online betting and lotteries through Singapore Pools, and where to get help with gambling.
We also explain the online casino games Singapore players know best, from baccarat and Sic Bo to 4D, and the risks of signing up at an SG online casino with no Singapore licence.
Top Online Casinos in Singapore Ranked
How We Rate SG Online Casinos
When we look at SG online casinos, we start with the law. No online casino in Singapore is licensed, so we don’t rate or recommend any site. Instead, we explain what each factor means for players and where the legal options stand.
Singapore Online Casino Rules
Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, the only legal online gambling is betting and lotteries with Singapore Pools.
A licence from another country doesn’t make an online casino legal for players in Singapore, so we don’t treat any foreign licence as grounds for recommending a site.
Local Currency Acceptance (SGD)
Singapore Pools accounts work in Singapore dollars, and the casinos at the integrated resorts run their games in SGD. An online SG casino that offers SGD balances isn’t licensed in Singapore, so pricing in SGD doesn’t indicate whether a site is legal or safe.
Local Payment Methods
Local payment options matter to anyone comparing online casinos in Singapore, and they matter for the legal products too. We explain how Singapore Pools accounts are funded and paid out, as well as the cashless options now available at the resort casinos, in the payment section below.
Popular Local Games
Players looking for an online casino in Singapore usually want more than a standard slots lobby. Baccarat, Sic Bo, Pai Gow, blackjack and roulette are all played at the resort casinos.
Fishing games and slots from Asian studios such as FunTa Gaming are also quite popular in the region.
VIP Programs & Loyalty Rewards
Loyalty schemes exist at the legal venues, too. Both resort casinos run their own rewards programmes. VIP offers from any Singapore online casino come with the same lack of protection as its bonuses, because none is licensed locally.
Fast Payouts
Payout speed at an online casino in Singapore only matters if the site pays at all. Unlicensed sites can delay or refuse withdrawals, and Singapore players have no local body to complain to. At Singapore Pools and the resort casinos, payouts follow published rules.
Singapore Online Casino Rules Explained
Online casino gambling is not legal in Singapore. Remote gambling is generally prohibited unless it is authorised, licensed or exempted under Singapore’s gambling laws. The Remote Gambling Act 2014 established Singapore’s framework for regulating remote gambling, adopting a generally prohibitive approach to online gambling.
In 2016, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club were approved as exempt operators under the Remote Gambling Act, allowing them to offer remote gambling services for their existing products under strict conditions. They were not permitted to offer casino-style games or poker.
The Gambling Control Act 2022 subsequently became the main framework for regulating gambling in Singapore, including remote gambling and unlawful gambling activities.
Today, Singapore Pools is the only operator licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to provide remote gambling services in Singapore. Its licence covers approved betting, gaming and lottery products, but it does not make online casino games legal.
Singapore’s gambling laws apply to both operators and players. It is an offence for a person in Singapore to participate in unlicensed remote gambling, with penalties including a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
How Do I Access a Singapore Casino Online?
There’s no licensed way to access a Singapore casino online. To play casino games legally, you need to visit one of the two integrated resorts, where citizens and permanent residents pay an entry levy.
For online betting and lottery draws such as 4D and TOTO, Singapore Pools is the only legal option. You’ll need to meet its age and account rules before you can place a bet.
Bonuses at Online Casinos in Singapore
Any bonus at an SG online casino comes from an unlicensed site. There’s no local regulator to handle a dispute if the terms change or winnings are withheld.
These are the bonuses at online casinos in Singapore you’re most likely to see advertised, and what to watch for:
- Welcome Bonus: Most Singapore online casino sites advertise a match on your first deposit or first few deposits. Large headline percentages usually come with high wagering requirements that make the bonus hard to clear.
- Cashback: A share of net losses returned over a set period. It still depends on losing money first, and the terms decide which games and losses count.
- Angpow Promotions: Red packet offers that borrow the tradition of Lunar New Year gift-giving to encourage regular deposits. Rewards are usually random, so it’s hard to know what an offer is worth.
- Slots & Fishing Game Tournaments: Leaderboard events built around a fish casino game or slots. They reward volume of play, which can push spending up.
- Reload Offers: Bonuses for topping up your balance, often on a daily or weekly cycle. They’re designed to keep you depositing.
- VIP/Loyalty Programs: Tiered schemes that reward betting volume with better terms and higher limits. Higher limits also mean bigger potential losses.
The legal resort casinos run their own rewards programmes for members.
Bonus Terms Explained
Each bonus comes with a set of terms and conditions players need to understand to get the full value of the offer, including wagering requirements, win limits, expiry dates, game restrictions, and bet limits. Understanding these terms will help avoid any payout issues.
These are the most common bonus terms:
- Wagering Requirements: This is the number of times players need to bet the bonus before they can withdraw their winnings. For example, let’s take a S$100 bonus with 10x wagering. Players must place S$1,000 on bets before they can cash out.
- Minimum Deposit: Most casino bonuses will require players to deposit a specific amount to unlock the bonus offer. If the deposit is below the required threshold, there will be no way to claim the offer.
- Eligible Payment Methods: Not all banking methods will qualify for bonuses. Some sites exclude certain eWallets, such as Neteller and Skrill, from claiming welcome offers and other promotions.
- Expiry Dates: This is the time players have to complete the wagering before it expires. If the deadline passes and they haven’t met the requirements, the bonus funds and any winnings will be removed.
- Game Contributions: Different games will contribute differently towards wagering requirements. For example, slots usually contribute 100%, while live games, table games, video poker, and Plinko only contribute 10%.
- Game Restrictions: Not all games will count toward wagering. Some casinos will exclude a list of games, which can range from progressive jackpot slots to blackjack.
- Bet Limits: Casinos will set a cap on the maximum stake players are allowed to place when using a bonus.
- Win Limit: This is the maximum amount that players can withdraw from their bonus-related winnings, no matter how much money they won. Once a payout is requested, any excess funds will disappear.
Popular Online Casino Games
The most popular Singapore online casino games include online slots, fishing games, live dealer games, and 4D casino games.
Here’s how each game type works at online casinos in Singapore:
Online Casino Slots
Online slots at SG online casinos come from major international providers like NetEnt and Playtech, alongside Asian providers such as NextSpin. Titles range from classic three-reel games to modern slots with features like cascading reels and bonus rounds.
High-RTP titles often mentioned include Book of 99 (99% RTP), Marching Legions (98.12% RTP), and Highway Fortune (97.7% RTP).
Fishing Games
Fishing games, like Alien Hunter and Fishing God, are hugely popular as they combine slot mechanics with arcade-style gameplay. Most Singapore online casinos offer games from Spadegaming, with some also featuring titles from developers such as CQ9, JDB, and V-Power.
Lottery-Style Games
As in other Asian markets, lottery-style games at Singapore online casino sites, such as keno, scratch cards, bingo and virtual draws use random number generators to mimic a traditional draw.
The rules are straightforward: you pick a random number or ticket, a draw or reveal occurs, and you win a prize. They’re extremely fast and can offer big payouts.
4D Casino Games
Despite the name, this game has very little to do with four dimensions. Instead, it’s a game of luck. Players need to choose four random digits between 0 and 9,999. The casino will then randomly generate a list of 23 winning numbers.
If even one of the numbers matches one of the four picked numbers, it’s a jackpot.
Table Games
At online casinos in Singapore and at the resorts, players will know classics like blackjack, roulette and baccarat, as well as local favourites such as Sic Bo and Pai Gow. Each comes in several variants with different betting limits, from casual stakes to high-roller tables.
Live Online Casino Games
Live dealer games stream real tables from a studio, including baccarat, blackjack, Andar Bahar, and online poker variants. Studios such as Asia Gaming and Evolution supply many of these games, including the tables at top online blackjack casinos in other markets.
For a real dealer and a legal game, the resort casinos are the only option, and baccarat is one of the most popular games on their floors.
Payment Methods at Singapore Online Casinos
Payment methods at SG online casinos differ from those at legal options in Singapore. Singapore Pools accounts, and the resort casinos use regulated payment methods. Payments to unlicensed gambling sites aren’t protected, and banks can block them.
Here’s how the main payment methods fit in.
PayNow
PayNow is Singapore’s national real-time transfer system. Players can deposit straight from their bank account using a mobile number, NRIC, or a QR code. It’s incredibly popular throughout Singapore.
Possible PayNow Issues
- SGD Only: PayNow doesn’t support other currencies, so you’ll need SGD in your linked bank account.
- Transfer Limits Vary by Bank: Each bank sets its own limits.
- Deposit Only: Where PayNow is accepted, it’s usually for top-ups rather than payouts, so another method is needed to receive winnings.
eWallets
Digital wallets, also known as eWallets, offer extra privacy and security by acting as a middleman between the bank and casino account. Payments through these wallets are protected with the latest encryption technology. Popular eWallets include Skrill and Neteller, and some sites accept local payment methods, including EeziePay, FastPay, and Help2Pay.
Possible eWallet Issues
- No Local Protection: If a payment to an unlicensed site goes missing, there’s no Singapore regulator to help recover it.
- Account Verification Required: Wallet providers run their own identity checks before you can move money.
- Delayed Refunds: Failed transfers can be routed back to the wallet, which can take days to show.
Debit Cards
Visa and Mastercard debit cards can be used with some legal operators. Singapore banks monitor card payments, and payments to unlicensed gambling sites can be declined.
Possible Card Issues
- Declined Deposits: Your bank may block international or gambling payments by default.
- No Withdrawals: Cards usually can’t receive payouts, so another method is needed for winnings.
- Spending Control: Card payments are quick, which makes it easy to spend more than planned. Set a limit with your bank if your card offers one.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfers are a standard way to move money to and from a Singapore Pools account. They can take longer than other methods, and processing times depend on your bank.
Possible Bank Transfer Issues
- Delayed Processing: Transfers can take longer than instant methods.
- Bank Limits: Your bank may set daily transfer limits.
- Fees: Check whether your bank charges for the transfer.
Cashless Payments at Singapore Casinos
Singapore has updated its casino regulations to accommodate cashless gaming and electronic wagering. You can use approved electronic wagering systems to hold funds in an account and wager without carrying physical cash on the casino floor.
Possible Cashless Issues
- Account Required: Cashless play usually means registering an account with the casino first.
- Spending Visibility: Without cash in hand, it’s easier to lose track of how much you’ve spent, so set a limit before you start.
- Availability: Check which tables and machines accept cashless play before you visit.
Pros and Cons of Playing at an Online Casino in Singapore
The real pros and cons of playing at an online casino in Singapore come down to the legal options versus unlicensed sites. The legal options have clear strengths, while unlicensed sites carry risks that you often don’t see until something goes wrong.
- Legal Protection: Singapore Pools and the resort casinos operate under Singapore law, so you have a regulator and published rules behind you.
- Full Game Choice In Person: The resort casinos offer slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, Sic Bo and Pai Gow under one roof.
- Online Betting and Lotteries: Singapore Pools lets you bet on sports and play 4D and TOTO online, legally.
- Responsible Gambling Support: Exclusion and visit limits are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Clear Payouts: Prize and payout rules are published by the operators.
- Trusted Payments: Deposits and payouts go through regulated payment channels.
- Illegal for Players: Gambling with an unlicensed remote operator is an offence for the player in Singapore.
- No Local Protection: If a site withholds winnings or mishandles your data, there’s no Singapore regulator to turn to.
- Blocked Payments: Payments to unlicensed gambling sites can be declined or frozen.
Is It Safe to Play at Online Casinos in Singapore?
No online casino is licensed in Singapore, so there’s no locally regulated Singapore online casino where players are protected.
The legal options are Singapore Pools for betting and lotteries, and the casinos at the integrated resorts. If a site that isn’t one of these offers you casino games, it isn’t licensed in Singapore. You must be at least 18 to buy lottery tickets or place eligible bets at standard Singapore Pools physical outlets, but 21 to gamble online or enter a casino’s gaming area.
How to Check a Singapore Online Casino Is Safe
Before you sign up anywhere, a few checks will tell you whether a Singapore online casino or betting site is legal:
- Check who runs it. For online betting and lotteries, the only legal operator is Singapore Pools. Any other site offering online casino games isn’t licensed in Singapore.
- Check the regulator. A licence from an overseas regulator does not make an operator legal to offer gambling services in Singapore. Check the operator against the Gambling Regulatory Authority’s (GRA) official licensing information.
- Check the web address. Type the operator’s official address yourself rather than following a link from an ad or message.
- Check the app source. Legal betting apps come from the official app stores, not a download link from a website.
- Check for warnings. Search the site’s name with words like “scam” or “blacklist” to see whether regulators or players have raised concerns.
- Check the terms. Legal operators publish their full terms, prize rules and privacy policy on clear pages.
- Check your own limits. Decide your budget and time before you start, and know where to get help (see Responsible Gambling below).
Online casinos aren’t licensed in Malaysia either, where Genting Malaysia runs the country’s only physical casino. Our guide to Malaysia online casinos explains how the law works there.
How to Start Playing
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to start playing in Singapore.
1. Choose a Legal Option
For casino games such as baccarat, blackjack and slots, you’ll need to visit Marina Bay Sands or Resorts World Sentosa in person. For sports betting and lottery games like 4D and TOTO, Singapore Pools offers both online and at its outlets.
2. Check Your Age and ID
You must be 21 or over to enter the resort casinos, and you’ll need a valid ID at the entrance. Singapore Pools has its own age and account rules.
3. Pay the Entry Levy if It Applies
Singapore citizens and permanent residents must buy an entry levy before entering a resort casino. Foreign visitors don’t pay the levy but must show their passport or pass.
4. Set Your Limits and Start Playing
Decide your budget and time limit before you start, and stick to them.
Apps & Mobile Casinos in Singapore
The legal way to bet on your phone in Singapore is through Singapore Pools, which offers betting and lottery games through its own app and mobile site.
Be careful with apps offered for direct download from a website rather than from an official app store. They haven’t been through app store checks, they can carry security risks, and an app from an unlicensed operator doesn’t become legal because it’s on your phone. If you want to play casino games, the only legal route is in person at the resort casinos.
Tips for the Best Online Casino in Singapore
By following these expert tips, you can stay safe and have an enjoyable experience at SG casinos online:
- Set a Spending Limit: Decide how much money you’re okay with losing before you start playing, and don’t go over it. This helps keep gambling fun and prevents overspending.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Don’t log in to a betting account or make payments on public Wi-Fi, as it raises the risk of your details being stolen.
- Take Regular Breaks: Set a time limit for each session and take a break when it’s up. Time passes quickly when you’re playing.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Trying to win back money you’ve lost usually leads to bigger losses. Accept the loss and come back another day, or not at all.
Land-Based Casinos in Singapore
Despite the strict gambling laws in Singapore, there are two brick-and-mortar casinos that you can visit: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Both offer a variety of casino games, entertainment options, and restaurants. Each is open only to patrons aged 21 and above.
To enter both casinos, foreign visitors must provide ID documents that show they are not Singaporean citizens, including passports, immigration passes, or work passes, with photo verification.
Singapore citizens and permanent residents must purchase a valid entry levy before entering the casino. A daily levy costs S$150, and can be used for 24 consecutive hours from activation. There is also an annual levy available for S$3,000. Both need to be activated before your first entry to the casino, or within 6 hours of purchase. Visitors and residents must enter and exit only through their designated lanes: Singapore/PR and Foreigners.
Marina Bay Sands
This luxurious casino is situated below Singapore’s Skypark, featuring four levels of casino games with over 2,400 slot machines for you to enjoy.
- Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore 018956
- Contact number: +65 6688 3000
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Email: box_office@marinabaysands.com
Resorts World Sentosa
This renowned casino spans 15,000 square metres and features over 550 tables, with more than 13 games, as well as 2,400+ slots and electronic table games.
- Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
- Contact number: +65 6577 8899
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Email: gentingrewards@rwsentosa.com
Land-Based vs Online Casinos in Singapore
In the table below, we break down the key differences between land-based casinos and Singapore online casinos, including their legal status, privacy, and accessibility.
| Feature | Singapore Online Casinos | Land-Based Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Not licensed in Singapore; gambling with an unlicensed remote operator is an offence for the player | Licensed and regulated under Singapore law |
| Who Can Play | No one in Singapore can play legally | Singapore citizens, permanent residents and foreign visitors aged 21 or over, with a valid ID |
| Entry Requirements | No Singapore age or identity checks apply, as the sites aren’t licensed here | Full ID check at the entrance, plus the entry levy for citizens and permanent residents |
| Accessibility | Available 24/7 online, but not legal for Singapore players | Must travel to the resort |
| Live Casino Experience | Streamed tables with no Singapore oversight | Real dealers and tables on the casino floor |
| Bonuses & Offers | Offers with no local regulator to enforce the terms | Members’ rewards programmes at each resort |
| Payment Methods | No protected payment options; payments can be blocked | Cash, card, and cashless options |
| Withdrawal Speed | No guarantee you’ll be paid | Winnings paid on the casino floor |
| Privacy | No Singapore data protection oversight of the operator | ID is checked at entry and handled under Singapore law |
| Self-Exclusion Controls | Site tools only, with no Singapore oversight | Casino exclusion and visit limits through NCPG |
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun, at a casino or on an online gambling site in Singapore, and it’s easy for it to stop being fun. Singapore has its own responsible gambling tools, and you can use them whether you visit the resort casinos or bet with Singapore Pools. The legal age to enter Singapore’s casinos is 21.
- Casino Exclusion: You can exclude yourself from the resort casinos through the National Council on Problem Gambling
- Visit Limits: You can limit the number of times you visit Singapore’s casinos each month. The NCPG currently allows voluntary limits of 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 visits per calendar month.
- Family Exclusion: Family members can apply for a Family Exclusion Order or Family Visit Limit if a person’s gambling is causing harm to the family.
- Betting Account Limits: Singapore Pools account holders can set monthly deposit and betting limits on their accounts.
For additional help and guidance, you can also contact local organisations that offer confidential support, including Gamblers Anonymous Singapore and the National Council on Problem Gambling.
FAQs
What’s the legal gambling age in Singapore?
What is the minimum bet at Singapore casinos?
Are casino winnings taxable in Singapore?
What is the best online casino in Singapore?
What happens if you get caught online gambling in Singapore?
How do I get rid of casino exclusion in Singapore?
References
- Government Gazette: Gambling Control Act 2022 (Singapore Statutes Online)
- Proposed Law to Fix Singapore Casino Entry Levy at S$150 a Day (Channel News Asia)
- Singapore Tweaks Casino Law to Allow Cashless Gaming (Channel News Asia)
- Basics of Individual Income Tax (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)
- Regulating Casino and Gambling Industry (Ministry of Home Affairs)
