Gambling in Singapore

History of Gambling in Singapore

First, gambling was legalized in Singapore in 1823, when this country was a British colony. However, this permission only operated for about three years. After that, all casino games were banned again. The only exception was the state lottery Singapore Pools.

In recent years, with the rapid development of tourism in the region, the Singapore authorities have revised their attitude towards gambling. In 2005 the government decided to build two resorts and casinos.

Best Singapore Casinos

This is how Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island and Marina Bay Sands on the Marina Bay coast were established.

They are the third and second in the world ranking of the most expensive casinos.

Sentosa Island was a military outpost and an essential strategic asset in Singapore's military ambitions for a long time. Only in the 80s of the 20th century did the government turn it into a popular resort. Marina Bay, located on the southern coast of Singapore, is very picturesque and convenient for tourism development.

The decision to legalize gambling and construct the above hotel-casinos was not easy for the authorities.

Representatives of both Christian and Muslim churches, as well as many social workers, were tough against allowing gambling, pointing to their negative impact on society.

They predicted increased organized crime, growth of pawnshops, money laundering, and so on.

In turn, the government pointed to the necessity of going for such risks because it significantly contributes to tourism development in Singapore and allows it to compete with neighboring countries. Whatever it was, the decision of the legalization of casinos was approved.

Marina Bay Sands Casino

Marina Bay Sands was constructed by Las Vegas Sands, which won the tender. Moshe Safdie developed the design of the complex.

The hotel includes three towers connected by the huge Sands Sky Park with a pool and overlook. There is also a lotus shape museum on the rooftop.

Marina Bay Sands costs about 5.5 billion dollars.

Resorts World Sentosa

The owner of Resorts World Sentosa is a consortium that includes Genting Singapore, Star Cruises, and Universal Studios.

Besides the casino and hotel, the complex includes an amusement park – Universal Studios Singapore, Marina Life Park featuring the world's largest oceanarium, Maritime Xperimental Museum, and many other entertainment centers.

The estimated cost is 4.5 billion dollars.

Singapore Gambling Laws and Regulations

However, certain restrictions for casino visiting are applied to Singapore citizens and permanent residents of the country. They have to pay a separate fee to visit the casinos.

It is $100 per night paid separately for each casino. However, you can pay an annual fee of $2,000.

The government strictly enforces these laws. Resorts World Sentosa Casino was fined $530,000 for refunding the fee to invited reporters not long ago.