License Name
Singapore Casino Licence
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Issuing Country/Region
Singapore
Regulatory Body
Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)
Types of Regulated Games
Casino table games, electronic gaming machines, slots
Market Coverage
Local
Regulator's Reputation
Excellent
Legal Entity Requirements
Must be a Singapore-registered company with a local office and at least one local director
Directors and Shareholders Requirements
Directors and major shareholders subject to background and fit and proper checks; local director required
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Requirements
Comprehensive AML policy, transaction monitoring, customer due diligence for transactions from S$4,000, and reporting of suspicious activity
Data Protection Requirements
Compliance with Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA); secure data storage and transmission
Reporting Requirements
Regular operational, financial, AML, and responsible gambling reports to GRA
Audit Requirements
Periodic regulatory and compliance audits mandated
Software Certification Requirements
Gaming system and equipment must be approved by GRA
Payment System Requirements
All payment systems must comply with financial regulations and support AML controls
Server Location Requirements
Operations must be based in Singapore; server location oversight required
Language Support Requirements
English required; focus on local language support for customer-facing platforms
Currency Support Requirements
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Legal Compliance Costs
High due to extensive regulatory checks, audits, and special employee licensing requirements
Background Checks
Mandatory for directors, shareholders, and key employees including criminal, financial, and regulatory history
License Scope Restrictions
Only two casino licenses issued (Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa); junket operations, advertising, and third-party promotions tightly regulated
Jurisdictional Tax Compliance
Subject to Singapore tax law and casino-specific duties
Player Data Storage Requirements
Secure retention of player data by operator, with data sharing for AML under legal mandate
Compliance Officer Requirement
Dedicated compliance officer required for AML and responsible gambling programs
Legal Dispute Resolution
Dispute resolution according to Singapore law; specific patron dispute processes set by regulator
License Transferability
Requires GRA approval; strict limitations
Sub-Licensing Rules
No sub-licensing permitted under Casino Control Act
License Cost
SGD 1,100 (application fee); SGD 22.8 million per year for operating a casino; SGD 19 million per year for operating both casinos; SGD 850 (renewal fee)
Annual Fees
SGD 22.8 million (single casino); SGD 19 million each (if operating both)
Income Taxes
Casino tax rates—GGR from premium players: 8%, mass market: 18% (subject to periodic updates)
Financial Guarantees
Evidence of solvency and ability to meet operational and minimum liquidity requirements
Financial Reporting Requirements
Detailed financial reporting obligations to GRA and tax authorities
Application Processing Time
6–12 months for large casinos from complete application submission to licensing decision
Required Documents
Application form, corporate and key personnel information, business plan, financial statements, AML/KYC/restrictive gaming policies, technical and system documentation
Business Plan Requirements
Comprehensive, covering revenue, operations, responsible gambling, security, and compliance policies
Internal Policy Requirements
AML, KYC, responsible gaming, internal controls, and risk management policies mandated
Testing Requirements
Mandatory system and equipment certification; regular testing of gaming terminals/software
Certification Requirements
Compliance to GRA-approved standards for all gaming, AML, and security systems
Staff Qualifications
Background, fit and proper checks, and relevant casino gaming industry experience for key staff and special employees
Physical Office Requirements
Local registered office in Singapore required
Local Representative Requirements
At least one director resident in Singapore
Marketing Restrictions
Strict limits on promotions and advertising; prior GRA approval for any marketing or promotional campaign
Responsible Gaming Measures
Mandated responsible gambling program including self-exclusion, patron limit features, employee training, and regular program review
Self-Exclusion System
System enabling players to self-exclude from casino participation
Age Verification Procedures
Entry restricted to persons aged 21 and above
KYC Procedures
Detailed customer due diligence on all patrons, especially for transactions exceeding S$4,000
Player Funds Protection
Strict segregation of player funds from company funds
Payout Timelines
Payout rules established in accordance with Casino Control Act and regulations
Permitted Games List
Only games approved by GRA; includes table games and slots
Security Standards
Compliance with information and physical security measures set by GRA
Encryption Requirements
Mandatory SSL/TLS protection for data storage and transmission
Monitoring Systems
Comprehensive monitoring of all gaming operations, including AML and responsible gambling analytics
Operation Logging
Detailed operational logs required and subject to regulatory inspection
Anti-Fraud Systems
Implementation of anti-fraud controls and reporting procedures mandated
License Duration
Up to 3 years, renewed upon compliance review; current licenses renewed for Marina Bay Sands (3 years), Resorts World Sentosa (2 years)
Renewal Procedure
Submission of renewal application and fees with documented compliance—six-month minimum processing for renewals
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to SGD 1 million for major violations; lower-tier fines for other offences; license suspension or revocation for severe breaches
Ownership Change Rules
Changes in controlling interest require GRA approval
Branding Requirements
Use of Singapore-registered entity branding; advertising and external communications require GRA approval
Official Address
Gambling Regulatory Authority, 460 Alexandra Road, #12-01, PSA Building, Singapore 119963
Online Application Portal
https://www.gra.gov.sg/licenses-approvals/licences-for-casino-operators-businesses
Work Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm (excluding public holidays)
Departments
Licensing Division; Compliance & Enforcement Division; Legal & Policy Division; Corporate Services Division
FAQ Question 1
What is Singapore Casino Licence?
FAQ Answer 1
The Singapore Casino Licence is a permit issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that authorizes the operation of regulated land-based casino gaming within Singapore’s integrated resorts, under strict compliance, security, responsible gaming, and anti-money laundering regimes enforced by law.
FAQ Question 2
Which jurisdiction issues Singapore Casino Licence?
FAQ Answer 2
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore (GRA), a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs, issues and regulates casino licenses in Singapore.
FAQ Question 3
What is the cost of obtaining Singapore Casino Licence?
FAQ Answer 3
SGD 1,100 (application fee); SGD 22.8 million per year for operating one casino; minor fees for renewal and special employee licensing.
FAQ Question 4
What are the main requirements for Singapore Casino Licence?
FAQ Answer 4
An applicant must be a Singapore-registered company, meet extensive fit and proper requirements for directors/personnel, maintain robust internal monitoring, responsible gambling, AML, and KYC compliance programs, provide a detailed business plan, undergo regular audits, and receive regulator approval for all gaming systems, marketing, and promotions.