GRA Reports Third Straight Post-COVID Decline in Singapore Local Casino Visitation

Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority recorded a 3.2 percent year-on-year decline in the number of citizens and permanent residents visiting the city-state’s two casinos in 2025. The drop to 91,000 visitors, or 2.7 percent of the adult population, marks the third consecutive year of decline since the Covid-19 pandemic. The prior year saw 94,000 such visitors, representing 2.8 percent of the adult population.

The annual report also shows the number of casino entry-levy permit holders remained stable at 6,700 in both 2024 and 2025. Casino-related crime remained low. These outcomes follow the 2019 increase in entry levies for locals, which raised the 24-hour access fee from SGD100 (US$78.2) to SGD150 and the annual pass from SGD2,000 to SGD3,000 as part of efforts to minimise the social impact of problem gambling.

Post-Pandemic Visitation Pattern

Local casino visits fell to 107,000 in 2019 from 127,000 the year before. The tally dropped further to 79,000 in 2020 with the onset of Covid-19, then rose to 96,000 in 2021 and 104,000 in 2022 before the renewed declines. GRA Chairman Hoong Wee Teck stated: “These indicators, while only part of GRA’s broader efforts, reflect our sustained commitment to effective regulation, strong partnerships and the protection of the public interest.”

Licence Renewals and Regulatory Standards

The GRA renewed the casino licence for Marina Bay Sands for three years, the maximum period under the Casino Control Act. Resorts World Sentosa received a two-year renewal in November 2024, while Singapore Pools also had its licensing refreshed. GRA Chief Executive Daniel Tan stated: “At the heart of GRA’s work is our commitment to ensuring that gambling activities in Singapore are regulated in a firm, effective manner. During the year, GRA continued to uphold robust regulatory standards, culminating in the renewal of licences for gambling operators such as Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Pools.” Tan added that the licences were renewed following GRA’s rigorous assessment that the operators continued to meet high regulatory standards and requirements. According to GGRAsia, the authority continues to balance firm oversight with operator compliance.

Reporting: GGRAsia

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