Discover Singapore Poker Scene, Laws and Places

Singapore has maintained its status as a highly regulated yet premier gaming destination in 2026. While the “Mind Sports” revolution has seen the formal recognition of chess and bridge as official sports, poker remains strictly under the jurisdiction of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). The scene is defined by two world-class Integrated Resorts that offer professional-grade live action, while the legendary Singapore Poker Championship (SPC) provides a unique high-seas alternative for the regional community.

Singapore: The Integrated Resort Standard

• The Regulatory Pillar: The Gambling Control Act 2022 remains the foundational law, centralizing enforcement under the GRA. In 2026, the government officially recognized certain “mind games” (Chess, Weiqi, Bridge) as sports, though poker continues to be classified as a “game of chance” requiring strict licensing for commercial play.
• RWS Poker Expansion: As part of the multi-billion dollar RWS 2.0 expansion, Resorts World Sentosa has significantly increased its poker footprint. Following the successful introduction of high-stakes cash games in late 2024, the room has expanded to approximately 20 tables to accommodate high-value customers and “crossover” baccarat players.
• MBS Luxury Focus: Marina Bay Sands continues its $8 billion expansion, focusing on ultra-luxury VIP gaming. While its poker offering leans toward house-banked progressive variants like Texas Hold’em Bonus and Three Card Poker, it remains the gold standard for high-limit hospitality and “Paiza” member exclusives.

Singapore’s Elite Venue Network

The infrastructure for poker in Singapore is centered on the “Integrated Resort” (IR) model, complemented by offshore tournament series:

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): In 2026, RWS has positioned itself as the city’s poker leader. The casino has successfully integrated poker into its broader “lifestyle experience” to attract repeat visitors. The poker room is known for its professional dealer standards and high-stakes cash games ($10/$20 SGD and above), with a focus on creating a social “hangout” atmosphere for family and friends.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS): MBS focuses on its “Megalink Progressive” systems, offering massive jackpots for house-banked poker games. It caters primarily to the “VIP tourist” looking for high-limit action in an ultra-luxury setting. The new fourth hotel tower and 15,000-seat arena have further solidified MBS as a global entertainment icon.

The Singapore Poker Championship (SPC): The legendary SPC returns for its jubilee 20th edition (SPC XX) from March 6-8, 2026. Hosted on the MV Aegean Paradise cruise ship in international waters, this festival attracts the region’s most competitive No Limit Hold’em enthusiasts, offering deep-stack structures and a unique “poker on the high seas” experience.

2026 Key Dates & Events

Singapore Poker Championship XX (March 6 – 8, 2026): A landmark 20th-anniversary festival featuring the Natural8 Main Event and the SPC Mini-Roller, hosted off the coast of Singapore.

RWS Licence Review 2026: A pivotal year for Resorts World Sentosa as it undergoes a rigorous evaluation by the GRA. The property has fast-tracked its “RWS 2.0” renovations, including new waterfront luxury hotels and enhanced gaming facilities, to ensure a successful licence renewal for 2027.

WTT Singapore Smash 2026 (March): While a table tennis event, RWS hosts this major international series, showcasing its ability to merge high-stakes sports with resort luxury, often drawing significant crossover crowds to the casino floors.

Venue Logistics

📍 Locations: 10 Bayfront Ave (MBS) and 8 Sentosa Gateway (RWS). SPC XX departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.

🏨 Accommodations: The Star Grand (MBS) and the newly refurbished rooms at RWS provide direct access. Hotel Clubby and Hotel Sunroute are popular nearby options for tournament travelers.

📝 Entry & Requirements: Open 24/7. Original Passport (for foreigners) or NRIC (for locals) is mandatory. Singaporeans/PRs must pay the $150 SGD daily levy. A smart-casual dress code is strictly enforced; flip-flops and singlets are prohibited on main gaming floors.