Online poker and gaming in Singapore may not be legal but that does not stop it from becoming a charming live poker hub in Asia. The Lion City is filled with luxurious poker rooms, extravagant casino hotels and cruises decked with stunning gaming halls, slot machines, roulette wheels, and much more.
Adding to the excitement is the provision of live entertainment, fine dining and spacious lounges ensuring a taste of luxury. As per reports, Singaporeans are the second biggest gamblers in the world, even though the country has strict laws in place to govern those indulging in gambling activities.
However, Singaporeans had a sigh of relief in 2004 when the government allowed the construction of two integrated casino resorts, the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. Just two years later,
the Casino Control Act was enacted and legalised the casino operations in the said two properties. The idea behind this was to promote tourism and thereby increase revenues through tax.
The act allowed the aforementioned two casinos to operate as full resorts to complement the Hotel and Casino. Moreover, these casinos were permitted to allow foreign tourists to enter for free but charge SG $100 from local tourists. Interestingly, Singapore does not tax your poker winnings.
If you are planning a trip to Singapore and want to enjoy your favorite game of poker, below some popular live poker rooms that you can visit in the country and indulge in some thrilling poker games.
Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is one of the most lavish casino properties in the world. The grand casino boasts a 15,000-square-meter casino and gaming arena with 500 gaming tables, 1600 slot machines, and over 30 private gaming rooms. Offering a vast selection of popular electronic gaming machines, is owned by Owned by Las Vegas Sands Corporation and was the world’s most expensive standalone casino at S$8 billion on its 2010 opening. Apart from the gaming floor, the resort boasts 2,561 hotel rooms, a 120,000-square-meter convention-exhibition center, and The Shoppes, a 74,000-square-meter complex featuring a mall, a museum, a theater, restaurants, floating crystal pavilions, and more.
Designed by Moshe Safdie architects, the property has three towers linked by a 340-meter-long SkyPark having a capacity of 3,902 people. It also includes a 150-meter infinity pool, situated atop the world’s largest public cantilevered platform, projecting over 66.5 meters beyond the north tower.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Contact Number: +65 6688 8826
Buy-ins: Starts at around SG$25
RESORT WORLD SENTOSA (RWS)
Sitting on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa, Resorts World Sentosa Casino (RWS) first opened in January 2010 and drew drew over 45 million visitors in its initial three years. The 49-hectare resort was conceptualized by Genting Singapore in 2006 and valued at SG$6.59 Billion. The construction for RWS began in 2007 and was the world’s third most expensive building upon completion in 2010.
RWS has the region’s only Universal Studios theme park and the Marine Life Park with the world’s largest aquariums, the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The resort also has a Maritime Experiential Museum, an acclaimed spa, six unique hotels, a convention center, celebrity chef restaurants, and specialty stores. The 15,000 sq.m casino offers a variety of casino games, including seven tables for poker. RWS’s poker room offers complimentary drinks but requires locals to pay SG$100 for casino entry. Keep in mind that only individuals above 21 years of age are allowed to enter the casino. The casino may require you a specific dress code. Confirm before visiting the casino.
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway Singapore 098269
Contact: enquiries@rwsentosa.com
Buy-ins: Starts at around SG$10/SG$20 and go up to $100/$200
Private Poker Rooms in Singapore
Singapore Poker Meetup Group: Founded by Anne, this group is operational since 2007 and boasts more than 1400 members. The group hosts Texas Hold’em poker, 7 Card Stud games and many more.
SG Entrepreneur Poker: Organized by Charlie Boy, this group has 397 members, including business owners and entrepreneurs. Made by fishes for fishes, it hosts friendly games and focuses on exchanging business ideas alongside poker. The private group charges no fee for its membership.
Friendly Poker Nights:New Players Welcome – Created by Gina, this group has 103 members and hosts Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other games. Buy-ins range from $50 to $100 with unlimited rebuys.
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