Content Writer: Janice Chew • Saturday, 26/01/2026 - 14:59:41 - PM
Singapore’s police have released new data showing that casino operators were the second-largest contributors to suspicious transaction reports (STRs) in 2024, underscoring the role of the gaming sector in anti-money laundering efforts. According to the Singapore Police Force’s Commercial Affairs Department annual report, casinos submitted 10,261 STRs last year, out of a total 85,988 reported from all sources — an overall increase of nearly 29 % compared with the year before.
While banks remain the largest single source of STRs, contributing 59,945 reports, casino operators accounted for approximately 11.9 % of all STRs filed, placing them firmly in second place among all reporting sectors. This reflects Singapore’s status as a major financial hub with strong reporting requirements across industries.
The Suspicious Transaction Reporting Office (STRO) within the police force is responsible for collecting and analysing these reports, which are key to detecting potential money laundering, terrorism financing, and other serious financial crimes. Under Singapore’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, casinos are legally obliged to report any transaction they reasonably suspect may be linked to criminal activity — failure to do so can result in prosecution.
The increase in casino-linked STRs follows wider national efforts to strengthen AML compliance across sectors. Singapore’s AML regime continually evolves with legislative updates and interagency collaboration to improve detection and enforcement. For instance, recent amendments to AML laws have expanded data-sharing between regulators and law enforcement to better identify risky financial patterns.
Casino reporting also includes cash transaction reports (CTRs) for large cash movements (e.g., transactions of SGD 10,000 or more), which contribute additional visibility into potential illicit flows — CTRs from casinos surged in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and reflect the sector’s cash-intensive nature.
