8 months ago
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SINGAPORE – Casino visitorship by Singapore citizens and permanent residents fell by 5,000 year on year, in the Gambling Regulatory Authority’s latest annual report published on Oct 2.
Some 94,000 citizens and PRs visited casinos in 2024, compared with about 99,000 in 2023.
The number of entry levies purchased by citizens and PRs continued to trend downwards, with the number of annual levy holders decreasing from about 7,100 to about 6,700. A day levy costs $150 and an annual one is $3,000.
Singapore has two major casinos within Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
The report noted that problem gambling rates among residents remained
“low and stable”
at
1.1 per cent,
based on the findings of a survey conducted in
2023
by the
National Council on Problem Gambling.
In the foreword,
GRA chairman Tan Tee How
said that to ensure that its regulatory framework remains effective, the GRA would continue to embrace new technologies, adopt data-driven approaches and recalibrate its regulatory strategies to address emerging challenges.
But he noted:
“While systems and controls are crucial, the human element remains paramount in maintaining regulatory effectiveness.”
The GRA is working closely with gambling operators to strengthen their compliance while using artificial intelligence (AI) to help detect regulatory anomalies and at-risk behaviour, added Mr Tan.
“Our approach aligns with evolving global standards, where operators are expected to prioritise the protection of vulnerable individuals,” he said.
He cited a shortened licence tenure issued to RWS in February as an example of how the GRA uses regulatory levers to ensure operators comply with standards.
RWS’ casino licence was renewed for two years instead of three after its
English (US)