Is online gambling legal in Singapore?
Online betting in Singapore is a state monopoly: Singapore Pools is the only legal website for online lottery, sports betting and horse racing, and the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) regulates the market. You must be 18 to bet with Singapore Pools. All other online gambling is illegal and blocked, and using a VPN to get around the blocks to gamble on unlicensed sites is a criminal offence under the Gambling Control Act 2022.
OverviewOverview built from public sources. An in-depth review of Singapore is available on request. Request it
| Product | Online |
|---|---|
| Online betting | Partial |
| Online casino | Illegal |
| Online poker | Illegal |
| Lottery | Partial |
Gambling in Singapore: what you need to know
Gambling winnings are not taxed in Singapore. The National Council on Problem Gambling runs a self-exclusion scheme, and its helpline is 1800-6-668-668.
What's legal online in Singapore: the state monopoly only
Only what is listed as legal above is licensed. Anything else offered to you online is unlicensed and gives you no protection.
Online sports betting is only partly legal in Singapore (partial). Online casino is banned in Singapore. Online poker is banned in Singapore. The lottery is only partly legal in Singapore (partial).
Using a VPN to reach gambling sites from Singapore: Illegal for gambling.
Gambling with crypto: Banned.
Minimum age: 18
You must be 18 to gamble online in Singapore, for online casino, sports betting and lottery alike.
Tax on winnings: none
Gambling winnings are not taxed in Singapore as the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) classifies them as non-taxable windfalls, not income. This applies to all winnings from legal operators like Singapore Pools and the integrated resort casinos, with no minimum threshold.
Rate: 0%: gambling winnings not taxable income
How to tell the state operator from offshore sites
The regulator's register lists 1 online licence holders in Singapore (checked 5 Nov 2026, no change since 3 Nov 2026).
Always verify a casino holds a valid Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) licence before depositing. Check the official register before signing up.
The official register of licensed sitesGambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)'s website
Prominent operators in Singapore
If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.
Red flags: how to spot an unlicensed site
- Check the Website: Is it Singapore Pools?
For any online betting (sports, lottery, horse racing), the only legal website is the official Singapore Pools site. Any other website offering these services to people in Singapore is illegal.
- Look for the S$150 Casino Entry Levy
When visiting a casino, remember that as a Singaporean citizen or permanent resident, you are required to pay a S$150 daily levy. The regulated system includes it to discourage casual gambling.
- Use Approved Payment Methods
Legal deposits to Singapore Pools are made via approved local methods like PayNow, NETS, and direct links with Singaporean banks (DBS, UOB, OCBC). If a site asks for payment via cryptocurrency or unfamiliar international e-wallets, it is an illegal operator.
- Verify Responsible Gambling Tools
Legal operators are required to provide responsible gambling tools and information. Look for links and references to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the national self-exclusion scheme on the operator's website or premises.
- Confirm the Legal Age Requirement
Remember the legal age is 18 for Singapore Pools and 21 for the casinos. Legitimate operators will have strict age verification procedures in place.
Bonuses: what's allowed and red flags
What the rules mean for bonus offers you see in Singapore. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.
- Welcome bonus
- Banned
- • All forms of bonuses and promotions by private operators are banned as the market is restricted to the state monopoly.
The state-licensed operators, Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club, do not offer welcome bonuses, VIP programs, or other promotional incentives.
Which casinos & betting sites are licensed in Singapore?
See the full official list of licensed operators and their authorised domains.
Self-exclusion: NCPG Self-Exclusion
1.2% of adults in Singapore are estimated to have a gambling problem (National Council on Problem Gambling 2023 Survey).
NCPG Self-Exclusion (Singapore)
Set your limits before you play. If gambling stops being fun, stop and talk to someone.
Complaints: the operator first, then the GRA
- 1
1. Direct Complaint to the Operator
The first step for any dispute regarding payouts, bet settlement, or account issues is to contact the customer service department of the licensed operator (Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, or Singapore Pools) directly.
- 2
2. Escalate to Operator Management
If the initial customer service contact does not resolve the issue, the player should request to escalate the complaint to a manager or a dedicated dispute resolution team within the company.
- 3
3. Report Regulatory Breaches to the GRA
The GRA's primary role is regulatory enforcement, not mediating individual payment disputes. However, if a player believes the operator has breached its licence conditions (e.g., unfair game rules), they can file a report with the GRA for investigation. This is not a path for recovering disputed winnings.
Common myths about gambling in Singapore
- MythIt's safe to play on offshore sites using a VPN.Reality
This is false and illegal. Using a VPN to circumvent government blocks and gamble on unlicensed sites is a criminal offence under the Gambling Control Act 2022. The Singapore Police Force actively investigates and prosecutes individuals involved in illegal remote gambling.
- MythMy gambling winnings might be taxed if I win a large amount.Reality
This is false. All winnings from legal gambling sources in Singapore (casinos and Singapore Pools) are considered tax-free windfalls by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), regardless of the amount. You do not need to declare them on your tax return.
- MythThe legal age for all gambling is 21.Reality
This is partially true. The minimum age for entering a casino is 21. However, the legal age to place bets with the state monopoly, Singapore Pools, both online and at its physical outlets, is 18.
Frequently asked questions about gambling in Singapore
Are gambling winnings taxed in Singapore?
No. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) classifies winnings from legal gambling (casinos, Singapore Pools, 4D, TOTO) as non-taxable windfalls, not income. This applies to all winnings regardless of the amount, and they do not need to be declared on tax returns.
Is it legal to use a VPN for online gambling in Singapore?
No. While using a VPN for general privacy is legal, using it to circumvent government blocks to access and gamble on unlicensed websites is a criminal offence under the Gambling Control Act 2022. The Singapore Police Force actively investigates and prosecutes such activities.
What is the legal age to gamble in Singapore?
The legal age varies by activity. You must be at least 21 years old to enter the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa casinos. However, the minimum age to place bets with the state monopoly, Singapore Pools, both online and at physical outlets, is 18.
How can I file a complaint against a gambling operator in Singapore?
Players must first attempt to resolve disputes directly with the operator's customer service. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) does not mediate individual payment disputes. However, if you believe an operator has breached its licence conditions, you can report it to the GRA for investigation.
What Singapore bets on most
The 4-Digit (4D) lottery, drawn three times a week, is Singapore's most popular gambling product by participation and cultural penetration. Despite large GGR from the casinos, more individual Singaporeans spend money on 4D and TOTO than on any other form of betting.
Source: Singapore Pools - FAQ
Biggest wins in Singapore
A single ticket purchased via the Singapore Pools online Account Betting Service won the largest Toto jackpot ever for a single winner.
Sources: MustShareNews · AsiaOne
An Indonesian man won the largest publicly reported jackpot payout at one of Singapore's casinos in the first year of their operation.
Source: The National
Methodology & sources
This page is a Quick AI overview: a summary of public information, not yet checked against the law or the regulator. Treat it as a starting point. It has not yet been through our Deep AI Scan.