Singapore: Marina Bay Sands vs Resorts World Sentosa — Which Casino to Pick
Singapore deliberately limited gambling to two integrated resorts. Marina Bay Sands is the iconic skyline. Resorts World Sentosa is the family resort. We compare both.
Singapore has two casinos by design: Marina Bay Sands (skyline, infinity pool, business travelers) and Resorts World Sentosa (Universal Studios, aquarium, families). Both charge Singaporeans/PRs S$150 entry per day or S$3,000 annually — foreigners with passports walk in free. Tables run S$25–50 mass-floor; baccarat and blackjack dominate. MBS is better for nightlife and views; RWS for a longer family stay.
Singapore's casino model is unique: the government wanted gaming-tourism revenue without inviting Macau-style sprawl, so they licensed exactly two integrated resorts in 2010 and made it expensive for locals to play.
The entry levy — why locals don't really gamble here
If you hold a Singapore IC or are a Permanent Resident, you pay S$150 per 24 hours or S$3,000 annually to enter either casino floor. Foreigners walk through with a passport; no fee. The result: roughly 75% of casino-floor patrons are visitors.
Marina Bay Sands — what it's actually like
The Moshe Safdie–designed three-tower icon with the SkyPark on top. The casino is sub-grade, deliberately separated from the hotel and the Shoppes mall.
What's good:
- Most central location — 10 minutes to CBD, 20 to Changi.
- World's most photographed pool (level 57). Hotel guests only.
- Excellent F&B: CUT, Waku Ghin, Cé La Vi, Lavo.
- Mass tables in the high-S$25–50 range. Premium rooms S$300+.
What's not:
- Hotel rooms run S$650–1,200/night even off-peak.
- Casino floor design itself is unremarkable.
Resorts World Sentosa — Genting's family answer
Across the Sentosa cable car, a different proposition. Genting Group's full integrated resort: Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove waterpark, six hotels, and a casino about 60% the size of MBS.
What's good:
- A real multi-day family destination. Universal alone justifies 2 days.
- Six hotels at very different price points.
- The aquarium is genuinely one of the best in Asia.
- Cheaper food range — hawker-tier options exist on property.
What's not:
- Casino floor is meh by Macau or Vegas standards.
- Sentosa adds 20 minutes to anywhere central.
Tables, rules, and what to play
Both casinos run very similar gaming menus: baccarat (the dominant game), blackjack (often 6:5 — be careful), roulette (single-zero), Sic Bo, three-card poker. Slots extensive but with low return-to-player vs Vegas.
For a beginner, blackjack at MBS or RWS is fine if you find a 3:2 table. For experienced players, baccarat is the natural choice — house edge among the lowest of any casino game (1.06% banker, 1.24% player).
Which we'd pick
For a 2–3 night Singapore trip: Marina Bay Sands. Location, pool, dining, gaming all top-tier in one building.
For a 4+ night trip with kids: Resorts World Sentosa. You're getting a resort, not a casino.
Either way, leave at least a day for non-casino Singapore — Gardens by the Bay, Hawker Chan, Tiong Bahru.
Topics
- singapore
- asia
- comparison