Best Online Casinos for Singapore Players

Introduction

Gamblers in the Republic of Singapore have limited options when it comes to gambling but at least two of those choices are extraordinarily robust.

Aside from taking to the internet, taking part in the Singapore Pools lotteries, going to the race track for a flutter on the ponies, or taking to international waters on one of the cruise ships that appear and disappear from the scene from time to time - their choices are limited to Genting's Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands - two of the most magnificent gambling destinations in the world.

Many Singaporeans love to gamble, and their two "local" casinos consistently place in the top ten worldwide for gambling revenue. Of course, not only locals but players from all over Asia come to play hard whether it's at a theme park or any of the thousands of tables or other gambling games found at the integrated casino resorts.

Online provider Singapore Pools, which was formed in 1968 to stem the tide of illegal gambling in the country does not provide the same range of games as even the least sophisticated offshore sites with licenses elsewhere but without a local license do. With no real regulatory framework aside from robust blocking and crackdown endeavors, players don’t have any tangible player protections since offshore operators do not answer to the Singapore government.

Unless licensed or exempted, all gambling is technically and practically illegal. While there is no specific letter of the law offense related to “online gambling” the term “remote gambling” is covered thoroughly. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) effectively replaced the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) in August 2022. The GRA operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The statutory board routinely issues orders for payment providers to block gambling transactions and for internet service providers (ISP) to block access to gambling websites that can be reached from Singapore.

Some international providers will still accept players from Singapore and may have effective ways for customers to circumvent the blocks created to prevent them. We don’t examine that part of the equation but we can recommend certain operators that have consistently accepted residents and have treated them fairly and with due respect. Considering those factors alone, we feel that the following sites are best suited for players in Singapore:

Tips for Singaporean Online Gambling

Since there is only one way to bet online and that outlet is restricted to sports, lottery, and horse race betting, when players wander from that site there are a few factors that need to be considered. When you look for an offshore place to play some of the things you look for should include:

• Professional and unbiased reviews from reputable websites. These sites feature reviews from reliable insiders who not only showcase the attractive elements and perks of an online gambling house but will also highlight any sneaky clauses or unfavorable conditions that could trip you up.

The choice shouldn't simply be about the best bonuses or loyalty schemes but also about how secure the platform is and the history of the operator. Beyond that, it's about finding a site that aligns with your preferences and treats you right. To help you navigate what can, at times, be somewhat treacherous terrain, we suggest checking out reviews from multiple reputable sources. In good time, you’ll find that one may be presented in a way you are most comfortable with and might provide all the information you need to make informed choices.

Trusted Portals

• KeyToCasinos.com
• LCB.org
• WorldCasinoDirectory.com

• Read the terms and conditions. It might seem boring or tedious to pore over reams of legalese in the gaming house’s terms and conditions, but it’s good to recall that they are your basic contract with a casino operator. The good news is that with a little practice, you will come to know just what to look for and how to find it. Your web browser’s search function will do nicely for starters.
  The majority of the details will be contained in reviews at trusted portals, which you can then quickly verify in the operator terms.
  If you are going to play with bonus funds it is crucial to read and understand the particular bonus terms as well.

• Check our blacklist and please avoid any casinos or operators found therein. While we can’t chase down every bad actor out there and new sites pop up daily, we can and do list the ones that are simply scoundrels and will cheat you if given a chance.

Live Dealer Options for Singapore Players

Gamblers in Singapore love live floor games like baccarat, roulette, blackjack, craps, Fan Tan, and Sic Bo. Well over 90% of all online operators that accept players have a live lobby component. Some of these lobbies carry well more than 200 different tables. Even when every table is full you can find infinite betting and bet behind options. We can recommend the following:

Licensed casinos in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, Genting's Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Racecourse (Kanji Racecourse), and Singapore Pools are all licensed or otherwise exempted under the law. Singapore Pools operates online and has retail betting zones too. Sports, lottery, and horse race betting are popular.

Several cruise ship operators who will take you into “international waters” where the local laws don’t apply can also provide gambling accommodations. Beyond those just mentioned residents will need to rely on operators licensed elsewhere to ensure fair games and fair treatment.

Casino Trust and Security

Trust in an operator and secure transactions are paramount concerns when shopping for an online casino. Other enhancements to the services provided can make a good gambling site great, and every element should be considered before making a dedicated decision such as signing up or especially placing a bet. Trust is built in several ways and the most basic gambling contract might be all you want or need. However, the way an operator comports itself in terms of bonus offers, the terms therein, prompt and reliable payouts, or even instant cashouts can build the player/operator relationship in the player’s eyes.

Licensing is one of the most important elements to consider. An operator must have a valid license to be considered honest and reliable except in the rare case of a select few anonymous cryptocurrency-only operators. Even these most likely possess a license but simply can’t display it due to another form of licensing, that of the games. Some game providers will not allow their products to be delivered into gray or black markets online in violation of local law so some of these operators will hide their license. We’ll leave those out of the equation as only personal experience can vouch for their integrity and we do not promote them.

Operators can go rogue under any jurisdiction, however, the longer one operates from any location the more we can begin to trust that the past will predict the future regarding integrity.

Operators who are licensed in the UK or Malta have the strongest safeguards in place when it comes to responsible gambling. New players should almost certainly only play with an operated licensed in a jurisdiction with a robust regulatory framework. Other licensing regimes such as those found in the Philippines, Gibraltar, or even Canada (Kahnawake First Nation) for international players can provide all the protections most players will ever need.

Others, such as most that are licensed in the Caribbean(Curacao) may not provide safe gambling protections except in the case of self-exclusion, and may not bring pressure to bear on an operator unless they break the terms of their licensing agreement.

Another very important element that is not always easy to determine is the auditing and certification of the random number generator and games. The public is not usually privy to the technical data sheets or internal reports, but the number of amateur sleuths in the gambling community is legion and no bad games go unnoticed for long. When that happens the operator is immediately sent to the halls of shame known as blacklists.

Sites displaying the eCOGRA seal usually link it to an audit, certification, and in some cases a report on return-to-player percentages for most or all games. The iTech Labs or GLI (Gambling Labs International) seal may be all that is needed at a site recommended by a trusted portal.

Banking information for Singaporean players

Direct deposits from bank accounts, credit cards, or debit cards are not permitted by the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS). Some eWallets still work as funds are not deposited directly from the bank. We keep our lists updated and current but things can change overnight so sometimes it is best to simply contact a live chat agent and ask about the current best methods to deposit and withdraw.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others are often the best bet. As a bonus, greater deposit incentives and rewards are often offered to Bitcoin and other crypto depositors. Withdrawal payments are usually faster as well.

Written by: Michael Shackleford