Fewer Singapore residents gambled, but more do so online illegally
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We create educational content to help you understand platform technology, game mechanics, and regional regulations—giving you the facts without the marketing hype. We provide Singaporean players with research-based data and objective analysis of the iGaming landscape. As we look towards 2026, australian pokies payid experts in the gaming sector are analyzing the shifting landscape of Asian gaming trends in Singapore. Macau’s gaming industry is experiencing significant financial pressure. This diverse landscape encompasses several thriving markets, with Singapore and Macau standing out as key players.
The table below presents the year wise growth rates along with the key drivers influencing the market This graph highlights how the Singapore Gambling Market has steadily grown over the past five years, supported by major growth factors. At iGamingToday, we are dedicated to bringing you the latest and most relevant news from the world of online gaming. When she’s not writing, she enjoys experiencing the latest games firsthand and advocating for regulated and safe gaming practices. Known for her clear and insightful writing, Mihaela breaks down complex gambling legislation and industry updates, making them accessible to a broad audience. Mihaela is a passionate casino journalist who specializes in covering news, regulations, and trends within the gaming world. The regulated duopoly of casinos and the state monopoly on lotteries and betting make up the iGaming market, which allows significant players to be more protected from competition.
Although the number of gamblers who bet online is small, online gambling involvement remains steady. A study on treatment-seeking patients in Singapore revealed that the biggest median debt in the country was $500, primarily due to offline gambling. This number is solidified with statistics stating that Singapore’s share of the APAC gambling market is estimated at $5.03 billion for 2026, suggesting that the $5 billion benchmark is plausible under assumptions. Despite this, the total bet amounts on lotteries and sports betting continued to flourish. Unlawful gambling activities have been stable in Singapore for decades, meaning the country successfully controls these issues. As of 2025, the median monthly gambling expenditure among Singapore gamblers was $25 in 2023, a $10 hike from the $15 in 2020.
Experts project that the market will reach $1.32 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%.This growth can be attributed to Singapore’s robust internet penetration, with 99% of homes having internet access. Currently, Poker, Bingo, and Keno account for approximately 16.3% of the Singapore online gambling market in 2022, with experts predicting the two to grow to a combined 17.2% revenue by 2032. The company’s revenue increased by 62% to S$784.4 million, with GGR rising 69.5% to S$576 million. During the first quarter of 2024, Genting Singapore reported a 92% increase in net profit.
Investment potential exists in innovation through AR/VR in licensed apps and blockchain technology for greater transparency. The growth potential of the Pools and land-based casinos resides in tourism-focused growth from casino facilities and expanding digital offerings on pools due to online gaming becoming popular (8 times the compound annual growth rate). The impact of these factors will continue to allow for the balanced growth of gambling, as technology is providing a method for generations to connect as they age. Shadow online gaming is experiencing a growth of 11.5% CAGR, fueled by mobile access, despite the prohibition on these types of gaming. However, the local iGaming operators are legally established in Singapore; the international companies deliver services through offshore means and are therefore illegal for locals. The GRA has updated its licensing to add Singapore Pools, indicating confidence and consistency in regulating the industry as it struggles with illegal activity and attempts to regulate the unregulated market. In 2024, online gaming and eSports are projected to grow 8% annually and reach $1,320 million in 2033.
The NCPG survey polled 3,007 Singapore residents – Singaporeans and permanent residents – aged 18 and older to find out key trends about gambling, including the prevalence of problem gambling, here. Four in 10 Singapore residents gambled at least once in the past year, in the latest edition of a survey of over 3,000 people to gauge the extent of gambling here. Singapore – Fewer people in the Republic gambled, but they are spending more doing so, and more are also turning to illegal gambling online.
Singapore ranks third in the global casino market standings, attaining a value of $1.8 billion in 2021 and accounting for 1.5% of the global industry size. The Singapore gaming industry produced $358 million in 2023 and is expected to generate $712 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2024 to 2030. By maintaining these two factors, its gambling scene can achieve sustainable growth and remain a leader in the region. The continued growth of the sector is fueled by the increasing popularity of modern technologies and the rise of esports. With the GRA ensuring a secure environment for both operators and gamblers, the market remains robust.
This robust system fosters market confidence while mitigating harms, positioning Singapore as a regulated benchmark. The requirements for being considered “fit and proper” are sufficient financial viability, integrity, systems for responsible gambling, and measures to combat and detect money laundering and terrorism financing (AML/CTF). The Gambling Control Act 2022 (GCA) provides a strict, risk-adjusted framework for gambling in Singapore with an emphasis on the protection of the public and integrity. The casino’s current structured ecosystem will support continued sustainability, with 22 million visitors a year visiting casinos before 2025, ensuring casino growth. The industry is closely monitoring the recovery of the tourism industry and the technological advancements being made, but there remain many restrictions regarding opportunities to expand due to the industry’s restrictions. With MBS leading the way, the Land-Based Casino’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) returned to record levels post-COVID-19 and reached new highs in 2025.
Despite this, Singaporean law enforcers warn that reported cases likely undercount true activity, since many users of illegal online casinos remain undetected and unwilling to report themselves. A 2023 survey claimed that 92% of SG gamblers used Singapore Pools and that 1% of respondents used illegal online casinos, implying that illicit gambling remains small but visible. Despite a decrease in betting participation, illegal online gambling has increased among Singaporeans.