Tan Sin Heng Daniel has been appointed as the new CEO of Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), stepping into the role on 2 June 2026, and taking over from Teo Chun Ching. Currently serving as the commander of Singapore’s traffic police, Tan is expected to bring a sharp focus on enforcement and compliance to his new position. The leadership change comes at a significant time, as Singapore doubles down on strengthening its oversight of the gambling sector in the face of growing digital and regulatory challenges.
Recently, Hoong Wee Teck, a former Commissioner of Police, was appointed chairman of the Singapore GRA. With both figures bringing extensive law-enforcement backgrounds, the changes reinforce Singapore’s approach to tightly regulating and closely monitoring its gambling market.
Singapore GRA leadership shift
The GRA, established in 2022 by Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, oversees all gambling activities in the country. Its primary responsibilities include granting licences to operators, keeping an eye on compliance, and guaranteeing just and open procedures. The GRA is a key organisation for upholding integrity in the industry since it also enforces stringent anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing regulations.
Tan Sin Heng Daniel has a background in law enforcement rather than gambling regulation, having held top positions in many departments, developed policies, and carried out operational enforcement. He contributed to institutional planning and policy improvements at the Ministry of Home Affairs prior to becoming the head of the Traffic Police.
Before Tan took over, Teo Chun Ching played a pivotal role in reshaping Singapore’s gaming landscape. In 2022, he led the change from the Casino Regulatory Authority to the GRA, expanding its jurisdiction to include lotteries, new gambling products, and online platforms in addition to casinos. To keep laws aligned with emerging business trends, he collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2024 to update the Casino Control Act.
(Image Source: Singapore Police Force.)
GRA enforcement actions
In 2025, Singapore’s GRA stepped up enforcement against licensed operators. Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Pools were fined more than S$275,000 (approx. $216,000) for breaches involving promotions and customer exclusion checks. The GRA also blocked offshore crypto platforms such as Polymarket and worked with police to shut down thousands of illegal gambling sites, stopping about S$37 million (approx. $29.05 million) in unlawful transactions. As digital gambling continues to expand globally, many users are also exploring top-rated mobile casino sites for more accessible betting options.
The GRA persisted in applying pressure to operators in 2026 by taking more compliance measures. While authorities continued to investigate illicit online betting networks, including international syndicates, Resorts World Sentosa was criticised for technological problems.
Singapore’s gambling market landscape
Singapore’s gambling market is tightly controlled, with only a few licensed operators allowed to run. These include Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, the two integrated resorts, as well as the state-run Singapore Pools.
In Singapore’s gaming business, online betting has taken the lead. Five years ago, digital channels accounted for 30 per cent of Singapore Pools sports betting revenue; today, they account for almost 80 per cent. This change has been expedited by mobile technologies and 5G connectivity. Due to the widespread use of smartphones, betting platforms are always available, which is propelling growth in both licensed and unauthorised sectors.
Singapore’s gambling market may be small, but it’s clearly punching above its weight. The two casinos together raked in around S$5.14 billion (approx. $4.04 billion) in gross gaming revenue in the first nine months of 2025, a solid 23 per cent jump from the previous year. Adding to that, Singapore Pools posted a turnover of S$12.69 billion (approx. $9.96 billion) in FY2025, indicating that the appetite for lottery and sports betting among Singaporeans remains as strong as ever.
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