Is Live Casino Legal in Singapore?
Wondering if you can play live casino games in Singapore without breaking the law? You’re not alone. Many Singaporeans enjoy a flutter, yet the rules around live casinos can be confusing and a little nerve-wracking. Some worry about hefty fines or getting caught up in legal trouble just for playing their favorite games online.
So, is live casino really legal in Singapore in 2025? How do the rules affect you, whether you’re heading to Marina Bay Sands, scrolling through your phone, or joining a flashy offshore site? Also, what should you watch out for so you don’t land in hot water?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need a law degree to get clear answers. In this guide, you’ll get a quick, practical breakdown of what’s allowed and what isn’t – both at land-based casinos and online live dealer tables. You’ll see exactly what options Singapore players have, plus how to avoid risky traps and choose safer ways to play. If you want to stay sharp, play smart, and get the most out of every game, read on.
Overview of Gambling Laws and Casino Regulation in Singapore (as of 2025)
Let’s get into how Singapore actually controls gambling, so you know where you stand. Singapore is known for its strict rules, but these laws are clear once you break them down. You just need to know which acts and authorities matter right now.
Major Gambling Statutes: Casino Control Act, Gambling Control Act, Remote Gambling Act
There are three main laws you need to know. First, the Casino Control Act. This law approved land-based casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. It focuses on keeping casino operations fair and clean.
Then there’s the Gambling Control Act. This law came into play in 2022. It replaced several old laws and made the overall system stricter. Now, everything from fruit machine clubs to “loot boxes” in games are covered. The law makes it illegal to provide unlicensed gambling—whether online or in person—and brings bigger penalties.
The Remote Gambling Act (2014) cracks down on anyone running or advertising online gambling from within Singapore. Under this act, only state-controlled operators—mainly Singapore Pools—can get exemptions.
Establishment and Role of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) since 2022
Before 2022, different government bodies oversaw different types of gambling. That changed when the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) launched on August 1, 2022. Now, the GRA, which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the one-stop shop for all gambling regulation. It’s their job to issue licenses, enforce the rules, and respond to new gambling trends (like crypto and mobile games).
Land-Based Casinos: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa
Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa are legal and well-known. These “integrated resorts” offer tourists and locals a luxurious gambling experience. They opened following Parliament’s 2005 decision to allow casinos, mainly to boost tourism and create jobs—more than 35,000 new positions, according to reports.
Entry Fees and Restrictions for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
Here’s something you can’t ignore: if you’re a Singaporean or Permanent Resident, you’ll pay a hefty entry levy to step inside the casino. It’s $150 per day or $3,000 for an annual pass. The high fee, introduced as a social safeguard, is supposed to discourage casual gambling. Plus, there are strict exclusion orders—family members or authorities can ban problem gamblers from entering.
Singapore Pools and State-Licensed Gambling Products
Apart from the big resorts, almost every other form of legal gambling is run by Singapore Pools. This state-owned company runs lotteries, the 4D draw, Toto, and sports betting. If you see anything else, especially online, it is likely not licensed in Singapore.
Knowing the legal basics helps build your confidence before playing. Next, let’s break down exactly how live casinos—both in person and online—fit into these regulations.
Legal Status of Live Casino—Land-Based vs. Online
Building on the core laws we just talked about, let’s zoom into live casino in Singapore gaming specifically. You might think, “If I can play baccarat at Marina Bay Sands, why not just go online at home?” Well, Singapore draws a sharp line between land-based and online live casinos. The rules are very clear—what flies in one place might get you into serious trouble somewhere else.
Land-Based Live Casino at Integrated Resorts
Land-based live casino games are fully legal if you’re inside one of the approved integrated resorts. At Marina Bay Sands or Resorts World Sentosa, you’ll find live dealer games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. The Casino Control Act lets these massive resorts legally offer all those games, as long as they stick to strict management and social responsibility rules.
Entrant Controls: Entry Fees, Exclusion, and Social Safeguards
As discussed earlier, there’s more to entering these casinos than just showing up. If you’re a Singaporean or PR, you must pay the $150 daily entry levy, or you can fork out $3,000 for an annual pass. These aren’t just money-makers—they’re official barriers to prevent casual or problem gambling. And that’s just the start. Authorities issue exclusion orders to ban those struggling with gambling addiction. Family members can even request an exclusion order to keep their loved ones out. This level of control is unique, aiming to balance economic benefits with social responsibility.
Online Live Casino: Local Prohibition and Enforcement
Flip the script to online live casinos, and the law looks very different. The Gambling Control Act and the Remote Gambling Act make it illegal to run or advertise a live casino online from inside Singapore. No licenses are issued for online casino operators, period. The only legal online betting allowed is through Singapore Pools and, until 2024, the Singapore Turf Club (which is winding down). Every other online casino Singapore , even those with real live dealers, operates outside Singapore law.
Exemptions and State Operators
Singapore Pools is the only organization with exemption to run online gambling—but only for things like 4D, Toto, and sports betting. Live casino games are not on the list. The government simply has not budged on this, no matter how popular online platforms become.
Enforcement and Penalties
Don’t be tempted by glitzy online dealer rooms hosted overseas. If caught running or promoting an illegal online casino here, the penalties are crushing: up to seven years’ jail and even a $500,000 fine for operators. Players themselves are not typically targeted but can face trouble if authorities want to send a warning.
So, land-based live casino tables? Totally legit at the big resorts, if you follow the rules. Online live casino tables based in Singapore? Flat-out illegal, unless you’re with Singapore Pools—and even then, live dealer games are not offered.
Now that you know where you can (and can’t) play live casino games legally, let’s look at what happens if you try to access online live casino platforms from Singapore—and what your real options are as a player.
Accessing Live Casino Games Online: What’s Allowed and What’s Not?
Now that you know local online live casinos are outright banned, let’s explore how players here actually access these games—and what the real risks are. Singapore’s gambling laws are strict, but the online scene is far from simple. Curious why you keep seeing so many foreign casino ads even though local sites aren’t allowed? Here’s what’s really happening for Singaporean players in 2025.
No Locally Licensed Online Casinos—None at All
You can’t start or operate an online casino business based in Singapore. The country does not issue licenses for any online casino sites, no matter the technology or game type. This is crystal clear under both the Gambling Control Act and the Remote Gambling Act. As one 2025 industry report notes, “Singapore does not issue licenses for online casinos. However, you can legally operate from an offshore jurisdiction and target international users.” (sdlccorp.com), but this means any online casino available to you is based and licensed abroad—not registered or officially permitted here.
Offshore Casinos Fill the Gap
Since local operators are fully banned, international sites dominate Singapore’s online scene. Offshore online casinos—licensed in places like Curaçao or by PAGCOR in the Philippines—accept Singapore players. Popular platforms such as B88sg (licensed by Curaçao eGaming), Me88 (Curacao), and 12Play (PAGCOR) have all built solid reputations here. According to a 2025 review, B88sg alone offers 3,000+ games from major software names, and Me88 is known for a “plethora of crypto banking options” plus live dealer tables. This variety simply doesn’t exist through any Singapore-regulated site.
Banking Options: Crypto, E-Wallets, PayNow & More
You have lots of ways to deposit and cash out, but none run directly through Singapore’s banking system. Instead, most offshore casinos support methods like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT (Tether), as well as instant e-wallets (SurePay, DGPay, PayEssence), and sometimes even PayNow for deposits. Want your winnings fast? These sites often promise “instant withdrawals” via crypto and digital wallets—sometimes within minutes. Honestly, it’s more convenient than most land-based casino banking, but it also means you’re moving money outside the watchful eye of local regulators.
Risks: Legal Fallout, Payment Blocks, and Access Problems
Let’s be real—using offshore casino sites as a Singapore player always comes with risk. First, while individual players are not the main targets of enforcement, the law gives authorities power to block websites, freeze payments, and warn big winners if they want to “make an example.” Second, if a casino gets shut down or blacklisted, your winnings could disappear without notice. You have little recourse because these sites aren’t answerable to any Singapore authorities or consumer protection laws. Some banks may block payments to or from these platforms, and technical issues or new crackdowns can lock you out overnight.
So, while offshore casinos make live dealer games available, you must weigh these risks each time you play. Building on this, let’s see exactly what rules and safeguards exist for you as a Singaporean player—including “safe play” tips and crucial signs of a trustworthy casino site.
Requirements and Safeguards for Singapore Players
Building on the risks and realities of using offshore casino sites we just covered, let’s get practical. What rules do you have to follow as a player in Singapore? What protections are in place—and what extra steps should you take to keep your gaming safe and smart?
Age Restrictions: 21 and Up
First, you must be 21 or older to legally gamble at a casino in Singapore. This strict rule applies to both Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, and even to private club slot machines under the Gambling Control Act. If you’re caught gambling underage, penalties can include steep fines and a ban from all licensed gambling venues. Retail sports betting is the only gambling product not covered by the 21+ rule (The Ethics of online casino in Singapore Promotion, 2025). Online, reputable casino sites also require you to confirm your age during sign-up.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Responsible Gaming
Problem gambling is no joke, and Singapore’s government takes it seriously. The NCPG has been around since 2005, offering a hotline, counseling, and public awareness programs (Gambling in Singapore – Wikipedia). They also oversee the exclusion system, where you—or worried family members—can apply to ban yourself from land-based casinos. This is a real safeguard: more than 8% of players set self-imposed limits or bans (The Ethics of online casino in Singapore Promotion, 2025). So, never feel shy asking for help. The NCPG’s resources are designed for privacy and support.
Practical Tools: Self-Exclusion and Betting Limits
Both physical casinos and some online sites let you set limits on how much you can lose or how long you can play. Self-exclusion is easy to request at the two integrated resorts, locking you out of the gambling floor for six months or more. Online, it’s a bit more mixed; most offshore operators offer tools like deposit limits, loss limits, time-outs, and full self-exclusion (Cointelegraph, 2025). These tools help you stay in control, especially when games are just a click away.
How to Choose Safe Sites: Licensing, Security, Fair Play
Here’s where you need to be sharp. Offshore sites accepting Singapore players should hold a recognized license—typically from Curaçao eGaming or PAGCOR (Philippines). Check the site for a visible license stamp, privacy policy, and secure payment methods (look for padlock https://). Top-rated options like B88sg , Me88, and B9Casino have been operating for years, use industry-standard SSL encryption, and support reliable payment options . Always prioritize platforms offering live customer support and strict account verification.
Reputable sites are regularly audited by independent labs. Look out for names like eCOGRA or iTech Labs—these seals show that games and payouts are fair (Medium, 2024).
Verifying Legitimacy: Do Your Homework
Never play blindly. Read player reviews in Singapore gaming forums, watch out for payout complaints, and research the operator’s history (Medium, 2024). Fast withdrawals (usually within 24 hours), clear bonus terms, and transparent T&Cs are the hallmarks of a real, safe site. Remember, if anything sounds shady—poor support, unclear license, or hidden fees—it probably is.
By following these steps and using the right responsible gaming tools, you empower yourself to enjoy live casino games without worry. Next, let’s shift gears and take a closer look at the latest trends and tech that shape how Singaporeans play live casino games today. What makes the 2025 gaming scene unique? Let’s explore.
Key Trends in Singapore’s Live Casino Market and Player Experience
Now that you’ve seen the rules and safety steps for Singapore players, let’s get into what’s actually hot in the 2025 live casino scene. With so many sites and games tempting you online, it’s smart to know where real value and fun can be found—plus, what separates land-based casinos from the virtual experience.
Popular Live Casino Games for Singaporeans
You’ll spot familiar classics everywhere: baccarat, roulette, blackjack, dragon tiger, and poker. Baccarat stays a fan favorite—just like at Marina Bay Sands, but now with slick video streams and real dealers you can chat with. Roulette brings that casino thrill, spinning the wheel and dropping a ball into a number. Singaporeans love the fast action of dragon tiger too—one card each to “Dragon” and “Tiger,” and you bet on which is higher. For blackjack, the rules match what you see in-person: try to hit 21 or get closer than the dealer. Poker rounds out the big five, with live tables hosting variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi. The appeal is obvious: you get the social buzz and real-time tension, all from home.
Top Software Providers Bringing the Casino to Life
You want games that feel fair and exciting, right? Top brands make this possible. Evolution Gaming is the international leader—offering sharp, reliable video tables and unique game shows like “Lightning Roulette” (which can multiply your win up to 100x). Dream Gaming, from Thailand, offers 24/7 support and seamless play on any device. SA Gaming is huge across Asia, providing HD video and smooth mobile compatibility for games like baccarat and Sic Bo. Other respected names you’ll see: WM Casino, Ezugi, and Oriental Game, all trusted for fairness and usability. Sites like BK8 and Me88 carry games from these top companies.
Playing On the Go: Mobile Compatibility
Honestly, who sits at a desktop all day? In 2025, mobile play is king. Almost every major live casino site, including B88sg and MD88, lets you play via both app and browser on your phone—Android and iOS included. Some operators (like BK8) have fully-featured apps with no lag or missing games, so your experience feels just as smooth as the desktop version. Even if you can’t download, HTML5 sites adjust perfectly to your mobile browser.
Bonuses, Promotions, and VIP Programs: Real Value or Just Hype?
Let’s be real, bonuses matter. Singapore-friendly sites roll out dazzling welcome packages—B88sg offers a 288% match up to SGD 2,880. B9Casino splits up to SGD 1,500 across your first five deposits. Most have fair time windows and clear rules (usually 18x–35x wagering), so you don’t get trapped by fine print. Daily spins, tournament jackpots, and ongoing rebates (like a 1-3% crypto top-up) help your bankroll last longer. Regular players can climb VIP tiers with perks like higher withdrawal limits, dedicated managers, and birthday gifts.
Comparing Land-Based and Online Live Casino Experiences
Nothing beats the grandeur of Marina Bay Sands’ casino floor, but you have to pay that S$150 entry levy, dress up, and play by strict host rules. Online? You skip the travel, play in your pajamas, and choose from thousands of tables—often with lower minimum bets. Both settings deliver real dealers and card-flipping action, but online sites add 24/7 flexibility and way more games, like niche variants and live game shows. Plus, online platforms are packed with features you won’t find at physical casinos—daily promos, instant crypto payments, and in-depth player stats, for example.
In short, 2025’s live casino scene is all about choice, tech, and flexibility. Singaporeans aren’t limited to one kind of experience; you get world-class tables, exciting bonuses, and mobile freedom—just remember to pick licensed offshore sites and always play responsibly.
Let’s wrap up what you need to know about live casinos in Singapore for 2025. Singapore’s gambling laws are strict—land-based live casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa are fully legal, but require hefty entry fees and enforce tough social safeguards. Online live casino sites based in Singapore remain outright prohibited, and only Singapore Pools can legally offer certain online betting products (not live casino games).
Despite the ban, many Singaporeans still flock to offshore platforms, drawn by huge game selections and fast crypto payouts. But this comes with real risks: shaky legal ground, blocked payments, or even losing access and funds if a site gets blacklisted. That’s why it’s crucial you only play on well-licensed, audited international sites, set your own limits, and stay alert for signs of fair play and strong security.
The bottom line? You can enjoy top-notch live casino action—just make sure you’re of age, you know the laws, and you protect yourself with smart choices. Ready to play? Do it responsibly, pick safe sites, and let fun—not worry—guide your gaming journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play live casino games legally if you are a Singaporean resident?
Yes, but only at the two approved land-based casinos—Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Online live casino games operated within Singapore are not allowed, except for certain products by Singapore Pools (which don’t include live dealer games). Accessing offshore online casinos is popular but is technically outside Singapore’s licensing framework.
Can you use Singapore dollars and what payment methods work best at offshore casinos?
Most top offshore casinos welcome Singapore dollars (SGD) and offer flexible payment options. Popular choices include cryptocurrencies (like Bitcoin and Ethereum), local e-wallets, PayNow, and sometimes traditional bank transfers. These options make deposits and withdrawals fast, even though transactions are not directly processed through local banks.
Can you get in trouble for playing at offshore live casino sites?
While the law targets illegal operators more than players, there are still risks. Authorities can block access to sites or stop payments at any time. If a site is suddenly shut down or blacklisted, you could lose your winnings, and there is limited protection since these platforms aren’t regulated by Singapore.
Can you self-exclude or set betting limits when playing online?
For land-based casinos in Singapore, official self-exclusion and betting limit options are easy to set up. At offshore online casinos, many reputable sites also let you set deposit limits, loss limits, or take time-outs—helpful for responsible play. Check each site’s “Responsible Gaming” tools before joining.
Can you tell if a live casino site is trustworthy and fair?
Look for an official gaming license (usually Curacao eGaming or PAGCOR), SSL encryption (a padlock symbol in your browser), fast payouts, and clear company information. Big-name game providers like Evolution Gaming, SA Gaming, or Dream Gaming are also signs of fair play. Reading player reviews from Singapore can help spot any payout or support problems.
Can you access live casino games on your phone?
Absolutely. Most leading offshore sites have mobile-optimized websites or dedicated apps for Android and iOS. This way, you can play live baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and other games conveniently on your smartphone or tablet, with the same dealers and features as desktop play.
