While it’s against the law to run your own casino, sportsbook or poker room, online gambling is legal in Singapore. As more and more regions look to ease gambling restrictions, the industry continues to grow at a rapid rate. Our Singapore online gambling guide will walk you through what this site has to offer including casino reviews, as well as a review of federal gambling law events and touch on Singapore’s gambling history.
1800’s – then a British colony, Singapore was home to “gambling farms” where cock fighting took center stage until legislation made it illegal in 1856.
1842 – the Singapore Turf Club is founded. To this day, it remains Singapore’s only operator authorized to hold horse racing events and accept horse racing bets.
Marina Bay Sands at Singapore Harbor
1923-1926 – still a British colony, Singapore legalized gambling for three years before it became illegal again
1968 – the country incorporates Singapore Pools state lottery games, which was the first legal betting platform in the country
2000 – the Singapore Racecourse, also known as the Kanji Racecourse, opens as horse racing gambling opportunities expand
2005 – in an effort to boost tourism to the region, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces the development of two casinos in Marina South and Sentosa
2010- The Marina Bay and Sentosa Casinos open in Singapore
2016 – Ministry of Home Affairs announced that Singapore Pools would be granted an exemption under the Remote Gambling Act 2014, allowing it to offer online and telephone gambling for 4D and TOTO lotteries, football and motor-racing.
The first Singapore legislation against gaming houses was introduced. It later expanded to include lotteries and was consolidated when the Common Gaming Houses Ordinance of 1888 was written.
Common Gaming Act of 1961
This legal moment was tied to the suppression of common gaming houses, public gaming and public lotteries. This came on the heels of the Betting Act of 1960, which did offer some waivers to certain organizations.
Kranji Horse Racecourse
Singapore Pools of 1968
In an effort to provide Singaporeans a gambling outlet and stomp out illegal gambling outlets, the Singapore Pool lottery was incorporated in 1968. The 51-year-old state-owned company operates three lottos: TOTO, 4D and Singapore Sweep, a monthly raffle.
Singapore Pools is also the sole sportsbook for soccer (football) and motor racing.
Casino Control Act of 2006
This legislation made it possible for two casinos to be licensed and operate within Singapore and set table minimums players were required to pay and created organizations to help combat potential gambling addiction.
Private Lotteries Act of 2011
In 2011, Singapore’s Parliament made it illegal for citizens to conduct their own private lottery without the proper permits. Penalties included fines and/or prison time.
In September 2014, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced Singapore Polls would be granted permission to accept online and telephone bets for the TOTO and 4D lotteries as well as football and motor-racing wagers.
