Singapore - Visiting the Casino

I apologize if this has been addressed earlier but a search didn't turn up anything. Will be in Singapore chaperoning a business client who has never been to Asia before and he expressed interest in taking a look at the casino complexes. I don't think he's a heavy gambler but more as tourist sight.

Can any FT'ers give some advice as to what to visit, when to visit [day time vs. evening], logistics of getting over, etc.? Maybe a lunch at one of the two hotels, a walk of the gambling area, etc. We're middle aged so Universal Studio, etc, would not be on our hit list :p

The casino itself is pretty bleak, but the Marina Bay Sands complex is fabulous, including lots of good to great restaurants and high end boutiques (things like the world's largest Louis Vuitton store, selling suitcases for $1 million each amongst other attractions -- it is set up like a museum). So there is lots to do all around the casino and well worth a visit. Lunch or dinner on the roof of the hotel is probably a must-do (I've only eaten at the club, but there are restaurants open to the public such as Ku-de-Ta).

If you go to the gaming floor be sure to bring your passports as there is a substantial charge for local residents which is not applied to visitors. They will check on entrance and exit to the gaming area. No problem to visit the other parts of the property without this.

As far as arrival, a taxi is the easiest way to go. Cost is reasonable as well.

Do you mean the casino on Sentosa Island or the one in Marina Bay Sands? The second is newer and more accessible without paying extra fees to enter the resort island, although one of the first Sentosa Flyer stops is the basement entrance to the casino, where there's also a taxi line (for the return if times don't work out well) IIRC.

Be sure to bring passports. Also, I think there may be an age restriction (over 21?).

Do you mean the casino on Sentosa Island or the one in Marina Bay Sands? The second is newer and more accessible without paying extra fees to enter the resort island, although one of the first Sentosa Flyer stops is the basement entrance to the casino, where there's also a taxi line (for the return if times don't work out well) IIRC.

Be sure to bring passports. Also, I think there may be an age restriction (over 21?).

Yes, bring along passports for tourists and Identity cards for Singaporeans and PRs. You are right about the age restriction, 21 and above. This means after birthday and not just year.

If you go to the gaming floor be sure to bring your passports as there is a substantial charge for local residents which is not applied to visitors. They will check on entrance and exit to the gaming area. No problem to visit the other parts of the property without this.

As far as arrival, a taxi is the easiest way to go. Cost is reasonable as well.

Taxi is the most convenient way to get there. $100 for local residents to enter and valid for 24 hours.

The casino itself is pretty bleak, but the Marina Bay Sands complex is fabulous, including lots of good to great restaurants and high end boutiques (things like the world's largest Louis Vuitton store, selling suitcases for $1 million each amongst other attractions -- it is set up like a museum). So there is lots to do all around the casino and well worth a visit. Lunch or dinner on the roof of the hotel is probably a must-do (I've only eaten at the club, but there are restaurants open to the public such as Ku-de-Ta).

There is also a Harry Potter exhibition at the Arts Science Museum now. Lots of restaurants, can visit the sky park.....

One should always gamble within their means.

As originator of this thread, thought should report back. We took a taxi over Friday night, arrived around 7:20. Entered casino with passports, took a tour of two floors of tables. Saw lots of new games. Notice rules for baccarat different than stateside. Not over impressed but didn't expect to be:p

Took elevator to ku de ta for drink and view. My beer wasn't very cold! Had dinner without booking but it was a high table. Food was ok nothing to rave about. Place was packed, primarily tourists. Walked along tower, Infinity Pool was nice, good views. Sky 57 was closed for private party. Entire place packed....Friday night!

Worth the 'visit' but would not return on regular basis, unless taking client for look-see.

My beer wasn't very cold!
Was it at least poured right? I have often received poorly poured beers (with too much foam) in Singapore.

As originator of this thread, thought should report back. We took a taxi over Friday night, arrived around 7:20. Entered casino with passports, took a tour of two floors of tables. Saw lots of new games. Notice rules for baccarat different than stateside. Not over impressed but didn't expect to be:p

Took elevator to ku de ta for drink and view. My beer wasn't very cold! Had dinner without booking but it was a high table. Food was ok nothing to rave about. Place was packed, primarily tourists. Walked along tower, Infinity Pool was nice, good views. Sky 57 was closed for private party. Entire place packed....Friday night!

Worth the 'visit' but would not return on regular basis, unless taking client for look-see.
Just in case it isn't clear, this is the casino at Marina Bay Sands, not on Sentosa Island. Also, foreigners with passports (I'm not sure how foreign nationals who are Singapore residents are treated) over 21 (who are dressed appropriately?) can enter the casino for free, although there are some private and high roller areas that you can't easily see.

Just in case it isn't clear, this is the casino at Marina Bay Sands, not on Sentosa Island. Also, foreigners with passports (I'm not sure how foreign nationals who are Singapore residents are treated) over 21 (who are dressed appropriately?) can enter the casino for free, although there are some private and high roller areas that you can't easily see.

Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (No matter what citizenship they hold) must pay the S$100 daily levy or $2000 yearly levy.

Well, it is against the law for the casino to subsidise, pay or refund anyone who paid the levy although I believe this could be easily covered if the casino wants to do so.

Pains of being a Singaporean and I have yet to enter the casinos.

Well, it is against the law for the casino to subsidise, pay or refund anyone who paid the levy although I believe this could be easily covered if the casino wants to do so.
Someone that spends so much money in the casino that the casino is considering waiving the levy, probably doesn't care about the relatively tiny $100 levy in the first place.

Was it at least poured right? I have often received poorly poured beers (with too much foam) in Singapore.

No, bottle only. One vodka tonic, one warm Heinecken, S$48.....