Singapore Casino Visits Decline: Data & Policies for 2024

Singapore’s two integrated resorts have long drawn tourists and locals, but new data shows resident casino visits are declining as entry rules tighten. Tourism arrivals hit 16.5 million through September 2024, yet local access is increasingly restricted by levies and exclusion measures.

“Singapore citizens and permanent residents must pay a daily entry levy of S$150 or an annual levy of S$3,000 to enter casinos.”

— Ministry of Manpower

Tourist arrivals (Jan–Sep 2024): 16.5 million ·
Visitor spending (Jan–Sep 2024): S$22.4 billion ·
Entry levy for citizens/PRs: S$150 (24-hour)

The data reveals a stark contrast between visitor spending and resident entry barriers.

Is tourism declining in Singapore?

No — tourism in Singapore is actually growing. Through September 2024, the country welcomed 16.5 million visitors, a 21% increase from the same period in 2023, according to iGaming Business. Visitors spent S$22.4 billion, up 10% year-over-year, setting a new record for that period. The fastest-growing spend category was Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming, which rose 25% and accounted for 21% of total tourism expenditure.

The Singapore Tourism Analytic Network projects 17 million to 18.5 million international travellers for all of 2024, with spending reaching as high as S$30.5 billion. So the headline is expansion, not contraction. But the picture is more nuanced for casino-specific metrics.

Tourism revenue vs. arrival numbers

Although arrivals and spending are both up, the rate of spending growth (10%) lags behind arrivals growth (21%). That suggests visitors may be spending less per person or staying for shorter periods. The Sightseeing, Entertainment & Gaming category — which includes casino revenue — is bucking that trend with its 25% surge, indicating that integrated resorts remain a powerful draw for tourist dollars.

Impact of regional competition on Singapore’s tourism

Neighboring destinations such as Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and gaming options. The Philippines, for instance, has seen a strong recovery in its casino industry, and Japan is preparing to open its first integrated resorts. This competitive pressure could eventually eat into Singapore’s market share, though for now the city-state is still setting records.

The pattern: Singapore’s tourism growth does not automatically translate to increased casino revenue from locals; policy is the deciding factor.

Is gambling a problem in Singapore?

Singapore has tightly regulated gambling since it allowed casinos in 2010. The government’s dual mandate — capture tourist revenue while minimizing local harm — is enforced through entry levies, exclusion orders, and the strict Casino Control Act (CCA). The CCA requires responsible gambling measures and anti-money-laundering controls.

Gambling prevalence among Singaporeans

Official prevalence data is limited. However, the entry levy system (S$150 for a day, S$3,000 annually for citizens and PRs) is designed to deter frequent local visits. Ministry of Manpower rules also bar anyone under 21 from entering, and exclude individuals under voluntary or third-party exclusion orders.

Rise in problem gambling among elderly Singaporeans

According to case study research from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, elderly Singaporeans are reportedly becoming more vulnerable to problem gambling. Social isolation and fixed incomes may drive this trend, though the exact scale is not yet quantified in publicly available government data.

“Singapore’s approach is to manage sin — to allow gambling for economic gain but tightly control access to protect its citizens.”

— National University of Singapore case study on casino policy

The challenge for policymakers: balancing economic benefits with social costs requires constant vigilance.

What is the $20 rule at the casino?

The $20 rule is a budget management strategy popularized by casual gamblers, not a formal casino policy. The idea is to set a strict loss limit — often $20 — and walk away once that money is gone. In Singapore’s casinos, where the entry levy alone costs S$150 for locals, the $20 rule is more of a personal discipline than a practical reality.

Top 5 games to play with a $20 budget

• Penny slots — offer slow play at minimal bet sizes.
• Video poker — with low minimum bets and strategic elements.
• Roulette (outside bets) — even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) stretch the budget.
• Baccarat (Player bet) — low house edge on the Player side.
• Blackjack at low-minimum tables — basic strategy can reduce the house edge to under 1%.

Slot machine mechanics and triggers

Slot machines use random number generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes. Modern slots have a fixed “hit frequency” — the percentage of spins that result in a win, typically between 15% and 40%. Hitting a jackpot is a low-probability event determined by RNG, not by the machine being “due.”

What happens if you win $100,000 at a casino?

A large win in a Singapore casino triggers standard cashier procedures: the casino will issue a cheque or a bank transfer, and the win is recorded for tax reporting. However, Singapore does not impose personal income tax on gambling winnings, as gambling is considered a windfall and not income. This tax policy is consistent with the government’s approach of limiting the financial burden on individuals.

Tax implications on casino winnings

There is no tax on casino winnings in Singapore for casual gamblers. Professional gamblers who trade gambling as a business may face tax, but the line is rarely tested. The Casino Control Act requires casinos to report large transactions for anti-money-laundering purposes, but that does not affect the winner’s tax liability.

Singapore’s tax policy on gambling income

Singapore’s position is clear: gambling is a form of entertainment, not a livelihood. Winners keep 100% of their prize, and the government instead collects revenue through entry levies and casino taxes (the Casino Control Act imposes a tax on gross gaming revenue). For a $100,000 win, the only cost to the player is the entry fee already paid.

What this means: the entry levy functions as a pre-commitment device for residents, regardless of win size.

What is the 60 90 rule in Singapore?

The “60 90 rule” is a colloquial term for Singapore’s exclusion framework for problem gamblers. Under the Casino Control Act, individuals can voluntarily exclude themselves for a minimum period of one year, and family members or the government can apply for third-party exclusion orders. The 60/90 label refers to a cooling-off period sometimes associated with visit limit schemes, though the official policy does not use that exact phrase.

Application of the 60 90 rule in casinos

In practice, the “rule” is a budget management tip: set a time limit of 60 minutes and a loss limit of $90, then walk away. It is not a regulatory requirement but a personal discipline tool. The government, however, enforces mandatory visit limits for those on the exclusion list — typically a ban on all casino entries.

Effectiveness of annual casino entry fee policies

The annual entry levy of S$3,000 is designed to discourage frequent local gambling. According to research from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore’s model of “managed sin” has been effective in limiting the growth of problem gambling among residents, though data on long-term outcomes is still emerging.

What the data adds up to

Singapore’s casino story is not one of decline, but of deliberate design. Tourist dollars are flowing in at record levels — S$22.4 billion in nine months — and the gaming category is the fastest spender. Yet for residents, the barriers remain high: a S$150 daily levy, a S$3,000 annual pass, and the constant threat of exclusion orders. The government has built a system that lets the money in but keeps the locals at arm’s length. For Singapore’s policymakers, the trade-off is clear: capture the revenue, contain the harm, and bet that the calculus doesn’t tip the other way.

Explore related: Night Life in Singapore

Recent data shows a decline in local casino visits, and the Singapore casino guide 2025 outlines the entry fee policies that may be contributing to this trend.

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