Singapore’s gambling industry has established itself as a key player in Asia, balancing high-end integrated resorts with a tightly regulated market. Its geographic location and regulatory strength set Singapore apart, making it a magnet for wealth migration, especially as Macau’s VIP junket model declines. The sector is buoyed by its two world-class casino resorts: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. These facilities combine luxury amenities, entertainment, and gaming, catering to high-spending tourists.
Booming Visitor Levels
Singapore’s visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy rates are soon expected to exceed pre-COVID levels, with premium services driving higher revenue per visitor. Due to international travel stabilizing and the city-state’s strategic focus on premium markets, the gambling industry is expected to see steady growth in the coming years. Imagine nearly 15 million travelers flooding into Singapore by 2025 – that’s the projected tourism boom set to sweep the nation. This staggering increase from the 6.6 million visitors in 2022 is bound to send gaming profits skyrocketing. As Singapore’s gambling industry peers into the future, it’s finding a lot to be excited about – and that also includes some vibrant new trends that are taking hold.
Online Gambling
Online gaming in Singapore is regulated, with restrictions limiting most forms of online gambling. The Singaporean Government permits only certain online activities like lotteries and sports betting. Due to these restrictions, many Singaporean players turn to offshore international sites like those on a list of best online casinos in SG to access a broader range of games, such as poker, casino games, and slot games. For gamers seeking to navigate the expanding digital landscape and discover platforms that offer competitive gaming, seamless experiences, and top-notch security, these sites are invaluable. Offshore gambling sites are regulated and licensed internationally, but accessible to players in Singapore and beyond. Because of the many benefits that offshore sites offer, like huge game libraries and big bonuses, they are quickly becoming popular amongst players in Singapore.
Online casino gaming is growing in popularity in Singapore as it means that players can wager from home or on the go. In fact, mobile gaming, in particular, is surging, with around 95% of Singaporeans owning smartphones, and this number is expected to reach 99.4% by 2026.
As Singapore’s traditional gambling economy continues to evolve, a parallel universe of digital gambling is flourishing, driven by the irresistible draw of mobile games and the rapid migration of punters to online platforms. With mobile-optimized platforms becoming the new norm, a fresh crop of gamers are emerging—young, digitally fluent, and eager for a new type of experience.
Land Based Gambling
Singapore’s landmark integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, continue to serve as cornerstones of its traditional land-based gambling industry. As tourism rebounds, Singapore’s casino market is expected to benefit from the influx of international visitors.
Projections indicate that the local gaming market could surpass US$5 billion by 2025, driven by the recovery in international tourism and the continued expansion of its integrated resorts. Singapore’s traditional land-based gambling industry is predicted to continue growing heading into 2025 and beyond, driven by several key factors. For instance, Marina Bay Sands has announced plans for substantial investments in expanding its offerings, including upgrades to its integrated resort and the introduction of new attractions like Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore. Across the Bay, Genting Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa’s vision is centered on revamping the resort to woo affluent travelers, with a focus on augmenting gaming offerings and generating revenue from multiple angles.
As regional travel continues to recover post-pandemic, the influx of tourists is expected to drive further revenue growth. The writing’s on the wall – this investment will pave the way for consistent growth in the near future.
Gross Gaming Revenue
Singapore’s gaming market is on track to exceed its 2018 peak, driven by the surge in international tourism and the influx of affluent individuals relocating to the region. Gross gaming revenue (GGR) is projected to rise in the coming years, buoyed by both the recovery in high-spending VIP clientele and a growing focus on the mass-market gaming segment, including slots and casual gaming.
The industry has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with 2024 already showing signs of surpassing previous records, and momentum continues to build. With borders fully reopened, the city-state has become a magnet for international travelers, pushing hotel occupancy and casino activity to new heights.
Looking ahead, GGR growth is expected to accelerate, with projections anticipating a 16% year-on-year increase. This expansion will be driven by a mix of increased consumer spending from Southeast Asia combined with the steady influx of tourists. The mass-market gaming segment, in particular, is forecasted to play a more significant role as casual players gain prominence alongside VIP patrons.
As Singapore cements its position as a premier global gaming hub, its ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics—supported by investments in integrated resort enhancements and a stable regulatory environment—will likely ensure steady growth through 2025 and beyond.
The Future Looks Bright
With all these elements coming together, Singapore is poised to remain a leading player in the global gambling market well into the next decade. Where others might falter, this city ingeniously pairs the finest resort experiences with online gaming innovations, forging an unwavering strong presence in a famously volatile industry.
Singapore is poised to maintain its star status as a top-tier gaming and entertainment hotspot in Asia. The city-state’s winning formula – marrying posh resorts with robust rules – yields a vibrant hub that snares the attention of affluent travelers and high-end expatriates. Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa have made savvy bets on their investments, and now, as international tourism soars, Singapore’s land-based gaming sector is poised to shatter revenue records. This momentum gets a serious boost from the city-state’s rapid response to shifting consumer tastes, keeping its casinos ahead of the curve.
Singapore’s future is bright with the projection of mobile gaming and crypto-friendly offshore platforms on the horizon, presenting both exciting prospects and potential obstacles. Whenever online gambling is restricted, players search for alternative platforms abroad. Singapore looks well set to pull off a tricky balancing act: riding the waves of change while keeping its hard-won reputation for excellence intact. If it can manage this, 2025 and beyond look bright.