The Two Legal Casinos in Singapore
The legislation in Singapore only permits two casinos within its territory, thus creating an exclusive and highly regulated environment. These establishments represent excellence in the Asian gaming industry and attract millions of visitors each year.
Marina Bay Sands: The Jewel of Downtown
Marina Bay Sands is one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Singapore. This impressive architectural complex rises majestically in the heart of the financial district, offering a panoramic view of Marina Bay. The casino, recently renewed for a three-year period from April 2025, demonstrates its compliance with the strict standards imposed by local authorities.
The establishment spans several levels and offers a sophisticated gaming experience in a luxurious setting. The gaming spaces are designed with remarkable attention to detail, integrating contemporary design elements with traditional Asian touches. Players can enjoy an optimised air-conditioned environment, impeccable customer service, and an exclusive atmosphere.
Beyond the casino, the complex houses luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, an internationally renowned convention centre, and the iconic infinity pool located on the 57th floor. This unique integration makes Marina Bay Sands more than just a casino, but rather a complete entertainment destination.
Resorts World Sentosa: The Tropical Experience
Located on the paradise island of Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa offers a captivating alternative with its tropical ambiance and family-oriented philosophy. This integrated complex seamlessly combines a casino, theme parks, luxury hotels and unique attractions, creating a microcosm of entertainment.
The Resorts World Sentosa casino is distinguished by its modern architecture and decor inspired by the island's tropical environment. The gaming spaces are vast and airy, creating a relaxed atmosphere that pleasantly contrasts with the urban intensity of Marina Bay Sands. The establishment favours a more casual approach while maintaining the expected standards of luxury.
The integration with Sentosa's attractions is a major asset. Visitors can easily combine their gaming experience with a visit to Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium or the island's sandy beaches. This diversity makes Resorts World Sentosa a particularly attractive destination for families and groups with varied interests.
Games and Entertainment Available
The two casinos in Singapore offer a comprehensive range of games to suit all levels and preferences, from novices to the most experienced players. This diversity ensures an enriching experience for every visitor.
Slot Machines and Electronic Games
Resorts World Sentosa impresses with its nearly 2,400 slot machines, forming one of the largest collections in Southeast Asia. These machines cover all imaginable styles and themes, from classic three-reel to the most modern video slots with progressive jackpots.
The available slot machines include popular international titles as well as creations specifically designed for the Asian market. Bets are adapted to all budgets, allowing casual players and high rollers to find their happiness. Electronic games also include digital versions of traditional table games, offering a modern alternative to physical tables.
Marina Bay Sands also offers an impressive selection of slot machines in a more intimate environment. The establishment focuses on quality rather than quantity, with high-end machines and VIP areas dedicated to high-stakes players.
Traditional Table Games
Fans of classic table games find happiness in both establishments. Baccarat reigns supreme, reflecting the preferences of the Asian market, with numerous tables offering different betting limits. Variants include traditional punto banco as well as local versions adapted to regional tastes.
European and American roulette offer players varied strategic options, while blackjack attracts fans of games requiring skill and strategy. Craps, sic bo and pai gow tables complete this diverse offering.
Each casino employs professional dealers trained to the highest international standards. The atmosphere around the tables mixes the tension of the game with conviviality, creating an authentic social experience.
Poker and Tournaments
Poker lounges are dedicated spaces for fans of this strategy game. These separated areas offer a calmer and more focused environment, ideal for prolonged sessions. Available variants include Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and various forms of Stud.
Regular tournaments attract players from across the Asia-Pacific region, creating high-level competitive events. These competitions offer substantial prizes and are must-attend events for the regional poker community.
Cash games are continuously available with limits adapted to all levels, from micro-stakes to high-stakes games reserved for professionals and wealthy amateurs.
Regulations and Entry Conditions
Singapore enforces some of the world's strictest regulations regarding access to casinos, reflecting the government's philosophy of social control and citizen protection.
Minimum Age and Required Identification
The minimum age to access gaming areas is set at 21, three years more than many other jurisdictions. This measure aims to protect young adults from the risks associated with excessive gambling. All visitors, without exception, must present valid identification at the entrance.
Identity checks are rigorous and systematic. Passports, national identity cards and photo driving licences are accepted. Documents must be valid, and security agents meticulously verify the authenticity of each document.
These control measures also apply to non-gambling companions wishing to visit other parts of the complexes. As security is an absolute priority, visitors should expect longer entry procedures than elsewhere.
Entry Fees for Residents
The differentiated pricing system is one of the most remarkable aspects of the Singaporean model. This approach aims to discourage compulsive gambling among the local population while attracting foreign tourists.
Singapore residents must pay 150 Singapore dollars per visit or opt for an annual package of 3,000 Singapore dollars. These amounts represent a significant financial barrier, especially for repeat visits. The objective is clearly dissuasive, encouraging prior reflection before each visit.
In contrast, foreign tourists enjoy free access upon presentation of their passport. This attractive policy contributes to positioning Singapore as a premium tourist destination and stimulates the local economy through ancillary spending.
Residents can also opt for temporary or permanent self-exclusion programmes, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to responsible gaming.
Dining and Accommodation in the Complexes
The Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa complexes transcend the traditional casino concept by offering world-class dining and accommodation experiences.
Luxury Dining Options
The culinary scene at these establishments competes with the best global gastronomic destinations. Marina Bay Sands hosts several restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, creating an exceptional concentration of culinary excellence.
Options range from authentic Asian cuisine to the most innovative fusion creations. Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and French specialty restaurants offer memorable dining experiences. Some establishments offer exclusive tasting menus, while others specialise in unique signature dishes.
Resorts World Sentosa is not left behind with its collection of themed restaurants and casual dining spaces. The tropical atmosphere is reflected in menus that emphasise fresh seafood and exotic flavours. Quality fast food options also allow families to dine easily between attractions.
The bars and lounges of both complexes offer creative cocktails and varied ambiences, from rooftops with panoramic views to intimate bars at the heart of the casinos.
Premium Hotels and Suites
Accommodation is one of the highlights of these integrated destinations. Marina Bay Sands offers rooms and suites with views of the bay, city skyline or adjacent botanical gardens. Facilities include marble bathrooms, high-tech entertainment systems, and 24-hour concierge services.
Prestige suites offer sumptuous living spaces with a separate lounge, private bar and, for some, direct access to private terraces. The iconic infinity pool at the top of the hotel remains accessible exclusively to hotel guests.
Resorts World Sentosa offers a range of accommodations suited to different budgets and needs. Family hotels include specialised facilities for children, while luxury suites offer privacy and personalised services.
The spas in these establishments offer treatments inspired by Asian traditions, perfectly complementing the experience of relaxation and luxury.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
A successful visit to the casinos of Singapore requires appropriate preparation and knowledge of certain local specificities.
Best Times to Visit
The timing of your visit greatly influences your experience. Weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday, offer a more relaxed atmosphere with less crowding at gaming tables and slot machines. This period also allows for more personalised service from the staff.
Mornings and early afternoons are the calmest times, ideal for players preferring a subdued ambiance. Weekends and evenings attract more local visitors and tourists, creating more intense activity but also more waiting time.
School holiday periods and celebrations such as Chinese New Year generate maximum crowds. If you're looking for excitement, these times are perfect: for more tranquillity, it's better to avoid them.
Planning your visit around special events and tournaments can also enrich your experience, especially if you are interested in poker or table game competitions.
Dress Code and Etiquette
The dress standards reflect the high-end positioning of these establishments. Appropriate attire is required in all gaming areas, formally excluding beachwear, sandals, shorts and overly casual clothing.
For men, long trousers and closed shoes are the minimum requirement. A collared shirt is strongly recommended, especially in VIP areas. Gourmet restaurant areas may require more formal attire with jackets.
Women should avoid overly revealing outfits or beach shoes. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate, with the possibility of opting for more formality in upscale restaurants.
Local etiquette values discretion and respect for others. Loud phone conversations are frowned upon in gaming areas, and courtesy towards staff and other players is expected. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service.
Transport and Location
The exceptional accessibility of both casinos is one of their major assets, with multiple transport options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Marina Bay Sands benefits from an ideal central location, directly connected to the Singaporean public transport network. The Bayfront MRT station (Circle and Downtown lines) is just a few minutes' walk away, offering quick connections to all parts of the city. Public buses also serve the area with stops in the immediate vicinity.
For Resorts World Sentosa, access is mainly via Sentosa Island. The Sentosa Express, a free monorail, connects the HarbourFront MRT station to the complex in minutes. This automated link offers spectacular views of the port and is already an attraction in itself.
Taxis remain the most comfortable option, with reasonable fares and predictable journey times thanks to Singapore's efficient traffic management. Private car services and ride-sharing like Grab offer modern alternatives with booking via mobile app.
Both complexes have spacious parking facilities for visitors arriving by private or rental car. Parking rates are competitive, with discounts for hotel and restaurant guests. Parking validation is often offered when making purchases or dining in the complex.
Transfers from Changi Airport are facilitated by various options: taxi (30-45 minutes depending on destination), economical public bus or premium shuttle services offered by hotels for their guests.
Responsible Gaming and Limits
Singapore has developed one of the most comprehensive frameworks in the world to promote responsible gaming, integrating prevention, intervention and support.
The two casinos have sophisticated systems in place to detect problematic gambling behaviour. The staff are trained to identify warning signs and discreetly offer help to players who may need it. This proactive approach aims to intervene before problems worsen.
Self-exclusion programmes allow players to ban themselves from casino access for determined periods or permanently. These measures are scrupulously respected, with computer systems preventing access to individuals listed on these registers.
Spending limits can be set by the players themselves, creating personalised safeguards. These mechanisms encourage prior reflection on the amounts each person is willing to risk, promoting a more measured approach to gaming.
Regular awareness campaigns inform visitors about the risks associated with excessive gambling. Informative brochures are available in several languages, and specialised counsellors can be contacted discreetly.
Partnerships with organisations specialising in compulsive gambling help ensure professional support for those in need. These services include individual counselling, group therapy and support for affected families.
The Singaporean approach to responsible gaming also extends to preventive measures such as entry fees for residents and strict identity checks, creating an environment where entertainment takes precedence over compulsion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many legal casinos are there in Singapore?
Singapore permits only two casinos within its territory: Marina Bay Sands in the downtown area and Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, creating an exclusive and highly regulated environment.
What is the minimum age to enter the casinos in Singapore?
The minimum age to access gaming areas is 21. All visitors must present valid identification at the entrance, with rigorous and systematic checks.
Do Singaporean residents have to pay to enter the casinos?
Yes, residents must pay 150 Singapore dollars per visit or 3,000 dollars for an annual package. This measure aims to discourage compulsive local gambling, while tourists enter for free.
What is the difference between Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa?
Marina Bay Sands offers a luxurious urban experience in the heart of the financial district, while Resorts World Sentosa provides a laid-back tropical atmosphere with family attractions on Sentosa Island.
Can you play poker in the casinos in Singapore?
Yes, both casinos have dedicated poker lounges offering Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Stud. They regularly hold tournaments attracting players from across the Asia-Pacific region.
What responsible gaming measures are applied in Singaporean casinos?
Singapore applies strict measures: self-exclusion programmes, personalised spending limits, staff trained to detect problematic behaviours, and partnerships with specialised support organisations.