Singapore Gambling — Market entry in practice: How hard is entry, really?

## Heavily Regulated Singapore allows for limited forms of gambling and only with state licensed operators. Gambling in Singapore is regulated primarily by the Casino Control Act 2006 (“CCA”) for casino gambling, and the Gambling Control Act 2022 (“GCA”) for all other forms of gambling, whether land-based or online. Oversight of the gambling landscape is exercised by a single regulator in the form of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore (“GRA”), a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Among other things, the GRA is empowered to grant licenses to parties which operate and offer games of chance, and class licenses to parties engaged in lower-risk gambling offerings. ## Market size For casino gambling, the gaming revenue at Singapore’s two integrated resorts was reported to be S$5.66 billion for the whole of 2024. For non-casino gambling, Singapore Pools’ turnover from lotteries, sports betting and horse racing increased from S$12.2 billion in FY 2023/2024 to S$12.7 billion in FY 2024/2025 and approximately S$13.5 billion in FY 2025/2026, which ended in March 2026. Singapore Pools (Private) Limited (“Singapore Pools”) remains the only legalised lottery and sports betting operator in Singapore. In addition to Singapore Pools, there are various private clubs which are licensed to operate jackpot machines and other games like bingo and sweepstakes. These clubs all declare their revenue separately in their annual reports. The Singapore Turf Club held its final race on 5 October 2024, with the facility formally closing in March 2027. ## Localisation Cash and e-payments are both used as means of payment of bets. Credit betting is prohibited, save for credit which a licensed casino may provide to premium players or players who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of Singapore. Advertising of unlawful gambling is prohibited, and all forms of advertising and promotion by licensed gambling operators are prohibited unless approved by the GRA. ## Top Key Attractions and Challenges ## Attractions Stable government Relatively low corporate and casino tax rate, no capital gains tax Excellent reputation as business hub and financial capital in Asia Excellent air connectivity, visa-free entry for short-term visitors from many countries Great weather, summer all year round ## Challenges Strong anti-unlicensed gambling stance by Singapore government Low prospect of licenses being awarded to private, for-profit commercial gambling operators Levy imposed on Singapore citizens and permanent residents for entry into licensed casinos Advertising of unlawful gambling is an offence under the GCA, and all forms of advertising and promotion by licensed gambling operators are prohibited unless otherwise approved by the GRA High cost of living