When it comes to casinos in the Lion City, there are two options. Both are world class venues that offer a large variety of tables, machines and slots in terms of type and level. Both have first class facilities with excellent and highly trained staff.
And more importantly, both are within easy reach of Tanjong Pagar.
Sands Casino – Marina Bay Sands
The Sands Casino, located in one of the most iconic buildings on the globe, is the largest in Singapore. It is also the largest atrium casino in the world. It is less than a ten-minute drive or taxi ride from Tanjong Pagar. Open 24 hours a day, you can live a glamorous lifestyle at a time that suits you.
Marina Bay Sands
The casino is based within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) mall. MBS also has two theatres, an ice rink, a museum and a whole raft of celebrity restaurants. But its vast 15,000 square metres floor area is dedicated purely to gaming. Spread out over four levels are the 600 or so table games and over 1,500 slot machines.
Regarding the table games, the casino has all of the traditional ones you would expect. Some Asian favourites that give it a unique local twist are also available.
Tables on offer include 7 up baccarat, Fortune Six no commission baccarat, Power 98 baccarat, mini/midi baccarat, blackjack lucky 8, blackjack ace race, pontoon pandemonium, craps, Megalink Singapore stud poker, Megalink Texas hold’em, Megalink three card poker, roulette, sic bo, royal three pictures, Fortune pai gow poker and money wheel.
Source: Marina Bay Sands Flickr
As you would expect from one of the premier casino companies in the world, it is a wonderful space to not just play in, but to visit. It boasts one of the world’s largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers and offers punters and casual visitors alike, a varied array of dining options. With this much to do, there really is no reason to leave the premises.
Entry is free for foreigners, but Singaporeans and PR’s need to pay a $100 entry levy. This lasts for a 24 hour period. Alternatively, an annual levy is available for $2000.
Resorts World – Sentosa
This was the first casino to open its doors in Singapore, on Chinese New Year 2010. The casino is based on the self-proclaimed party island of Sentosa, adjacent to Universal Studios.
It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Like Sands Casino, Singaporeans and PR’s are subject to a $100 entry levy (or a $2000 yearly pass), while foreigners can enter free of charge.
Owned by Genting Resorts, Asia’s largest gaming operator, the casino offers baccarat (both commission & non-commission), blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, money wheel, pai gow, poker, pontoon, progressive Texas hold’em poker, progressive three card poker, roulette (including double zero roulette), tai sai and three pictures (non-commission) on more than 500 tables. Slot fans are very well catered for too, with the resort home to over 2,400 slots.
Resorts World Sentosa (Source: William Cho/ Wikicommons)
Away from the floor, the casino is home to three high end Asian style restaurants, as well as the Casino Royale Bar. The bar is opened until the early hours and is known for its sophisticated ambience, regular performances and stunning sculptures by Dale Chihuly. The casino also houses three private members’ clubs, which offers guests the option to wine and dine in sumptuous and private surroundings.
Both casinos have distinct personalities, and are welcome and popular additions to the Singaporean entertainment and leisure landscape. With them being in such close proximity to Tanjong Pagar, they provide an exciting alternative for locals and tourists alike.
