Singapore Casino Control Act Amendments Criminalize Post-Result Bet Withdrawals and Non-Card Game Recordings

Singapore has introduced fresh criminal offences under amendments to the Casino Control Act that took effect on 21 September 2026. The changes target specific forms of cheating in casinos and tighten rules around excluded persons, family protections, and operator conduct. Singapore is home to two integrated resorts with casino gaming: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) outlined the updates, which implement provisions from the Casino Control (Amendment) Act 2024 passed in parliament two years ago. These form the latest tranche of revisions to the regulatory framework.

New Offences Targeting Cheating Tactics

It is now an offence to withdraw a bet after the result of a game is known. The MHA said: “Previously, it was an offence for patrons to place a bet in a casino after the result is known but not an offence to withdraw a bet after the result is known, and the police have had to use provisions in other laws to deal with such cheating cases. This right-sites the provisions under the CCA.”

Recording non-card games such as slot machines is also now a criminal offence. The MHA stated: “Previously, it was an offence to use a device to record cards dealt in the course of gaming. However, the police have encountered cases of patrons who attempt to cheat the casinos by recording play patterns of non-card games (e.g. gaming machines). The Act expands the current offence to cover the recording of non-card games.”

Strengthened Safeguards and Operator Obligations

Breach of a Family Visit Limit is now criminalised, consistent with rules on other exclusion orders. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can immediately replace an existing Exclusion Order or Visit Limit, removing a prior one- to two-month period without safeguards.

The MHA can now factor in unethical business conduct or systemic deficiencies in internal controls and corporate governance when assessing casino licence suitability. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) holds new powers to take disciplinary action where suitability is affected.

Casino operators must share patron information with each other to address money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the MHA said the amendments “will keep Singapore’s casino regulatory framework robust and responsive to emerging risks, uphold the integrity of casino operations, and strengthen safeguards against gambling-related harm.”

Reading the Regulatory Signal

The updates close specific enforcement gaps while expanding GRA oversight and mandating data collaboration between operators. Licensees at the two resorts will need to align internal practices with the expanded suitability criteria to avoid disciplinary exposure in an environment where regulatory response to risks has clearly accelerated.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.