Casino Games vs. Sports Betting: What Is More Popular In Singapore?

Gambling in Singapore is tightly regulated, compared to many other countries. However, it remains a popular pastime, with thousands placing bets on lotteries, sports, or casino games.

When we break down the different forms of gambling, lotteries are the most popular, followed by casino games, sports betting, and horse racing. But how do casino games compare with sports betting? Let’s take a closer look.

Casino Games In Singapore

Singapore has two fully licensed land-based casinos: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. These venues are highly appealing for both locals and tourists; however, they have strict entry controls. Players must pass through a “hard gate” entry system, which includes identity verification and a S$150 daily entry levy.

Despite these barriers, around 18% of adults in Singapore participate in casino games each year. These casinos offer various table games and slot machines, and in 2023, they generated approximately S$5.2 billion in gaming revenue.

While physical casinos dominate the gambling scene, safe SG online casinos are also accessible via offshore operators. This market is especially popular among young players. But, since there are many options available, players should always look for trusted, licensed operators to enjoy the best games and bonuses and play safely from the comfort of their home.

Sports Betting In Singapore

Sports betting, in contrast, is tightly controlled through Singapore Pools, the only legal operator for football and motor racing bets. Players can bet online, over the phone, or in physical outlets, making betting more accessible. Even though only 8% of the population participates in these types of games, the total amount wagered is significant. For example, sports betting and lottery together accounted for over S$11 billion in turnover in 2024.

The most popular sport to bet on is football, especially during international tournaments, due to the low minimum bets and easy online access. Unlike casino games, sports betting doesn’t require in-person attendance. People can place quick bets without much planning.

What’s More Popular, Then?

When comparing casino games and sports betting, it’s obvious that both have their strengths.

When we talk about annual reach, casino games have the upper hand, with about 18% of adults engaging in casino activities. Sports betting, on the other hand, involves only 8% of the adult population. This makes a significant difference, due to the appeal of physical casinos, which offer a luxurious gaming environment. However, the requirement for physical presence, strict age verification, and expensive daily fees for residents make access to casinos more difficult.

Sports betting, on the other hand, is designed for convenience. Singapore Pools allows legal betting on football and motor racing, both in person and online. This makes sports betting more accessible to the average user. People can place bets from home via mobile apps, and they don’t need to visit a physical location or pay an entry fee. This leads to a wider audience, especially among young bettors.

The revenue also makes a big difference. Casinos brought in S$5.2 billion in gaming revenue in 2023, mostly from slot machines and table games. Meanwhile, sports betting, grouped with lotteries, contributed over S$11 billion in turnover to Singapore Pools in 2024. This shows the growing importance of sports betting as a major revenue stream in Singapore’s gambling market.

So, if your focus is on the number of participants, casino gaming leads the way. But, if you consider total money wagered, growth potential, and accessibility, sports betting is winning. It is expected that sports betting will overtake casinos in popularity and profitability, especially among tech-savvy generations.

Conclusion

Casino games currently attract more participants in Singapore, thanks to the presence of iconic venues like Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. They offer a wide variety of games and luxurious experiences.

Sports betting is, however, growing rapidly, thanks to its accessibility and the rise of digital platforms. As technology continues to shape the gambling landscape, the gap between these two forms of betting is likely to narrow further in the years ahead.