Singapore takes a strict approach to gambling. Two integrated resorts run land-based casinos under close supervision, and online gambling is only allowed through a small number of authorised operators. This guide explains what the law says, who regulates gambling, how to recognise a lawful operator, how exclusion orders protect players and where to find help.
Is online gambling legal in Singapore?
The main law is the Gambling Control Act 2022, which came into force in August 2022 together with the Act that created the Gambling Regulatory Authority. It replaced several older laws, including the Remote Gambling Act 2014, and brought land-based and online gambling under one framework.
Online gambling is only lawful when it is provided by an operator that holds a licence or a formal exemption. Singapore Pools is the authorised provider of online sports betting and lottery products. No online casino holds a licence to offer slots or table games to people in Singapore.
The law applies to players as well as operators. Taking part in unlawful online gambling while you are in Singapore is an offence. According to the GRA, an individual can face a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Who regulates gambling in Singapore?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore (GRA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It licenses and supervises all forms of gambling, including the two casinos, lotteries, betting and gaming machines in clubs.
The GRA works with the police and other agencies to act against unlawful gambling. It can direct internet service providers to block access to unlawful gambling websites and direct banks and payment providers to block transactions with them.
Is advertising online casinos allowed in Singapore?
No. Under section 85 of the Gambling Control Act, it is an offence to advertise unlawful gambling, which includes telling the public where unlawful gambling takes place or inviting people to take part. The offence covers advertising from outside Singapore aimed at people in Singapore, and an individual can be fined up to 20,000 Singapore dollars.
The GRA can also order an advertiser to stop, remove existing advertisements or publish a correction. Members of the public can report unlawful gambling advertisements to the GRA or to the police.
How can you recognise a licensed gambling operator?
The GRA lists licensed and exempt operators on its website. If an operator is not listed, it is not authorised to offer gambling to people in Singapore, whatever licence it may claim to hold elsewhere.
- Visit the official GRA website at gra.gov.sg.
- Check the section on licensed and exempt operators for the name of the provider.
- Make sure you are on the operator's official domain, not a look-alike site.
- Be cautious of anyone contacting you through messaging apps or social media with gambling offers, as these are a common route for unlawful services and scams.
What protections exist for players in Singapore?
Singapore runs a system of exclusion orders through the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). These orders can bar a person from the casinos and from opening or using accounts with Singapore Pools online.
Citizens and permanent residents also pay an entry levy to visit the casinos, and the integrated resorts must follow strict rules on credit and customer checks. Lawful online accounts come with limits and responsible gambling tools that you can use at any time.
- Self-exclusion: you apply yourself to be barred from casinos, online accounts or both
- Family exclusion: close family members can apply to have someone barred
- Third-party exclusion: applies automatically to certain groups, such as people receiving financial assistance or undischarged bankrupts
- Visit limits: you can cap how often you may enter the casinos each month
What are the risks of unlicensed online casinos?
Besides the legal risk of committing an offence, unlicensed sites give you no local protection. They are not supervised by the GRA, they do not apply Singapore exclusion orders, and no Singapore authority can help you recover money if a payout is refused or an account is closed.
Payments to these sites may be blocked by your bank, and some unlawful operators are linked to scams or money mule schemes. Sharing your identity documents and bank details with an unknown offshore company can expose you to fraud.
Do you pay tax on gambling winnings in Singapore?
Singapore does not tax gambling winnings for individuals, as they are not treated as income. This applies to winnings from lawful operators such as Singapore Pools and the casinos.
Operators pay betting and casino duties to the government instead. Winnings from unlawful gambling are a separate matter, as the act of taking part is itself an offence.
Where can you get help with problem gambling in Singapore?
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1800 6 668 668. It is run by the NCPG and offers free advice for gamblers and their families. The NCPG website also explains how to apply for exclusion orders and lists counselling services.
Free and confidential counselling is available through community agencies and the National Addictions Management Service at the Institute of Mental Health. If gambling is affecting your finances, work or relationships, contact one of these services early.
Myths vs facts
- Myth: Only operators break the law. Players at online casinos are never at risk.
- Fact: Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, taking part in unlawful online gambling in Singapore is an offence for individuals too.
- Myth: A foreign licence makes an online casino legal in Singapore.
- Fact: Only operators licensed or exempted by Singapore's GRA may offer gambling to people in Singapore. A licence from another country does not change that.
- Myth: Advertising from abroad is outside Singapore law.
- Fact: Section 85 covers advertising unlawful gambling to people in Singapore even when it is done from outside the country.
- Myth: Exclusion orders only apply to the casinos.
- Fact: Exclusion orders can also cover online accounts with Singapore Pools.
Before you claim
- Operator appears on the GRA list of licensed or exempt operators
- You are on the operator's official domain
- No offers received through unsolicited messages or social media
- You know how to apply for an NCPG exclusion order
- You know the helpline number 1800 6 668 668