Singapore has banned gambling for a long time. Today, the gambling business in Singapore is only partially legalized. The legislation defines provisions that allowed several operators to organize the work of land-based casinos plus payant and online bookmakers. At the same time, the government imposes rather severe restrictions on both the provision of services in the gambling industry. That, however, did not prevent Singapore from gaining the status of the third largest gambling zone, after Las Vegas and Macau.
Gambling in Singapore was legalized in 1823. At that time, the city was a colony of Britain – a country that allows participation in gambling. However, the permission was short-lived. After just three years, almost all types of gambling were banned. The exception was the government lottery Singapore Pools.
This situation continued for several decades. The economic crisis that broke out in the country at the beginning of the 2000s forced the government to reconsider its opinion on this issue.
A new gambling bill was considered in early 2005.
The process of consideration and adoption of the bill was accompanied by fierce discussions and disputes. Representatives of various religious cultures and employees of social organizations opposed the legalization of gambling in Singapore. They noted the likelihood of a negative impact of gambling on the social environment, in particular, the possibility of an increase in crime.
The government pointed to the prospects for the growth of the tourism industry and, as a result, a possible increase in financial revenues to the budget. In 2006, a final decision was made to partially legalize gambling.
The legislative framework was designed specifically for the creation of two large casino resort hotels. The provisions of the laws fixed the licensing system, organized departments, whose tasks include the control and regulation of the activities of gambling establishments, defined restrictions and prohibitions.
The largest casinos in Singapore
It took five years to build, equip, organize the activities of the first casinos in Singapore. In 2010, two prestigious establishments were opened at once:
Casino Resorts World Sentosa – the largest gambling and entertainment complex in the country was built on the island of Sentosa. The territory of the complex occupies more than 15 thousand sq.m. The casino has over 1,000 tables and over 2,500 slot machines. Guests are offered the opportunity to check into comfortable hotel rooms, visit water parks, an amusement park, a museum.
Marina Bay Sands, built on the coast of Marina Bay, opened a few months later. The casino hotel is owned by Las Vegas Sands. The well-known architect Moshe Safdie worked on the design of the institution. The complex consists of three high-rise towers. At an altitude of about 200 meters, a huge infinity pool, a park, an observation deck, and a museum are equipped. More than 600 tables and more than 1,500 slot machines are installed directly in the casino. There are several VIP rooms for high rollers. In addition, a hotel, restaurants, cinemas, bowling, and other entertainment facilities await guests on the territory of the complex.
Both casinos in Singapore are world famous and are in the TOP of the most expensive and prestigious casinos in the world.
Currently, they occupy top places in the ranking of the most expensive casinos in the world. Every year, several million guests come here. According to statistics, the opening of establishments has increased the tourist flow by almost 30%. And, accordingly, significantly increase the level of profitability of the state.
