Experience the buzz of Marina Bay Sands Poker Room with my electrifying 2024 adventure in Singapore! In this MBS poker Room Review, I dive into high-stakes thrills and unforgettable moments. Get the inside scoop now!
Marina Bay Sands Poker Room Review: My Electrifying 2024 Adventure in Singapore
Last week when I visited the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, playing poker in their casino was at the top of my to-do list.
With over 2,300 slot machines and 500 table games spread across 4 grand halls, it’s one of the biggest casinos in Singapore. As a gambling analyst, I’m always seeking out the best places to try my luck.
But does high-end hotel deliver the thrills that poker enthusiasts like myself crave?
In this firsthand MBS poker room review, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of my experience in the Sands Poker Room, from the vibe and stakes to the quality of competition.
Read on for an inside look at playing poker at this iconic Singapore attraction, through the eyes of someone who knows a thing or two about betting big.
Reaching Marina Bay Sands from Changi Airport
Arriving at Singapore Changi Airport, I opted for convenience and booked a Grab rideshare directly to Marina Bay Sands. The trip took around 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Just look for the iconic three hotel towers shaped like sails rising into the sky across Marina Bay, right next to the unmistakable Gardens by the Bay conservatories.
For a cheaper option, you can take the MRT metro from Changi Airport and transfer at Tanah Merah station to the Circle Line heading towards Harbourfront.
The Bayfront MRT station at Marina Bay Sands is right inside The Shoppes shopping mall, making it easy to walk straight up to hotel check-in.
Checking In to Tower 1
Upon entering the massive lobby, multiple check-in counters are available, divided up by hotel tower. I had booked a Premier Room in Tower 1 overlooking the city.
The check-in process was quick and efficient. Since rooms aren’t assigned until check-in, there is a chance of getting an upgrade if available for your dates.
The three curving hotel towers are identical on the lower floors but Tower 1 has more suites on the higher floors.
Reviewing the Premier Garden View Room
Taking the elevator up to my room on the 11th floor, I was impressed by the modern décor in muted earth tones blending both Asian and European influences.
The Premier Room’s layout features a combined bedroom and living area with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the view.
Room Amenities
The room offered everything needed for a comfortable stay:
- Plush king bed with pressed linen sheets
- Contemporary furnishings like a sofa, desk, and chair
- High-speed WiFi and plenty of outlets for devices
- Large interactive HD TV with cable and on-demand movies
- Mini-bar with drinks, snacks, and a Nespresso machine
- In-room safe and closet for storage
The marble bathroom felt luxurious with designer toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, and separate stall shower.
Smoking Policy Impact
One downside was the strong smoky smell upon entering, likely due to Marina Bay Sands allowing smoking in the casino and some restaurants.
I immediately called guest services and they promptly offered a thorough room deodorizing and ventilation.
This solved most of the lingering smoky odor. Do note the smoking policy when booking as only certain floors have designated non-smoking rooms.
Stunning City Views
The real highlight was the postcard-worthy view from the private balcony. Gazing at the infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, I knew this would be an unforgettable stay.
The deck’s comfy chairs and table provided the perfect spot for morning coffee while admiring the sweeping urban vista.
Fueling Up at Rise Breakfast Buffet
The next morning I headed down to Rise restaurant on Tower 1’s lobby level for their breakfast buffet included with my room. The spread featured diverse cuisines like Chinese, Indian, Western, and more.
Quality and Variety
Some standouts I enjoyed were the made-to-order egg station, fresh tropical fruits, freshly squeezed juices, Indian breads and curries, fried noodles, congee porridge, and endless pastries. Both food quality and variety were excellent.
Ambiance
The expansive buffet was buzzing with guests yet never felt overcrowded. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the contemporary space with natural light. It made for a vibrant yet relaxing start to the day.
Based on the delicious breakfast spread, I would certainly recommend Rise restaurant as a solid option for fueling up before a day of exploring.
Navigating the Shoppes and Gardens
After breakfast, I spent some time wandering through The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, home to over 300 luxury stores and fine restaurants. High-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Prada dominate the shopping scene.
The shopping mall seamlessly connects to the rest of the resort’s attractions. I walked across the skybridge linking the hotel towers to enjoy the tropical greenery in the Gardens by the Bay conservatories.
Visitors can easily access these massive nature domes housing floral displays from Marina Bay Sands via this airconditioned walkway.
Entering the Casino & Poker Room
Of course, I came to Marina Bay Sands with one major goal: to play poker! Singapore allows two mega-casino complexes—Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa—to operate within the country.
Locals must pay a S$150 daily fee or S$3,000 annual fee to enter the casinos. As a foreign passport holder, I only had to present my passport at casino entry for registration.
Smoking Allowed in Casino
The massive three-story casino allows smoking, so air quality was poor. I spotted hundreds of table games, over 1,500 slot machines, and private gaming rooms for high rollers. Signage directed me to the poker area tucked away in a corner.
Poker Action
The Sands Poker Room operates on the first casino level. It offers 9 poker tables hosting cash games and tournaments. I bought into a Texas Hold’Em table with a 1-2 blinds No Limit. The minimum buy-in was $200.
Game play was fast-paced with players from across Asia and the world. Staff were friendly and assisted new players. Over two evenings playing poker, I found the competition level solid for the stakes.
While the room lacks the prestige of landmark poker halls in Europe and the US, it’s still a solid spot to get your poker fix in Singapore.
Rooftop Infinity Pool Experience
A key motivation for booking at Marina Bay Sands was exclusive access to the stunning rooftop infinity pool perched 57 stories up. Unfortunately, gaining pool entry proved challenging on this trip.
Reaching the SkyPark Pool
Hotel guests must access the rooftop SkyPark via tower elevators that require a room keycard. Once up top, your keycard gets scanned again to open the pool turnstiles.
On my first attempt, the elevator queue stretched over an hour long, leaving little time to actually swim before closing. The next morning, a storm left the outdoor pool closed entirely.
Reflecting on the Process
The pool’s fame from social media has boosted demand beyond capacity. Unless you score an early timeslot, brace for long waits.
My recommendation if the infinity pool is a priority: Book a higher room category with guaranteed early access or pay extra for a timed entry pass.
While I missed out on swimming, even glimpsing the jaw-dropping vistas from the SkyPark observation deck alone was worthwhile.
The panoramic views of the city skyline and Gardens by the Bay were unparalleled. Just the magic of gazing at the shimmering Marina Bay waters stretching to the horizon was worth all the effort to get up there.
My Final Verdict: A Must-Visit in Singapore
For first-timers, I fully recommend visiting Marina Bay Sands and experiencing this engineering marvel and entertainment mecca for yourself.
Beyond the stunning architecture and city backdrop, you’ll find endless dining, recreation, shopping, and attractions all in one convenient spot.
Could improvements be made? Of course—reduce casino smoking, expand pool access, and offer more guaranteed non-smoking rooms. Yet the resort’s sheer scale and amenities are unmatched.
I’ll definitely return to Marina Bay Sands next time I’m craving an action-packed luxury vacation in Singapore with a side of poker excitement.
Have your own Marina Bay Sands experiences to share? I’d love to hear your adventures and tips in the comments! Check out my Singapore travel guides for more insider recommendations.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new reviews. Thanks for reading!
MBS Poker Room Review FAQs
What is the dress code at Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands enforces a smart casual dress code. Avoid shorts, sports shoes, singlets, and slippers when dining at hotel restaurants or entering the casino.
How old do you need to be to enter Marina Bay Sands Casino?
You must be at least 21 years old to enter the casino at Marina Bay Sands. Be ready to present a valid photo ID and passport as proof of age.
Can locals or Singapore citizens enter Marina Bay Sands Casino?
Yes, but Singapore citizens and PRs must pay an entry levy of S$150 per day or S$3,000 annually to enter the casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. This fee was implemented to discourage excessive gambling by residents. Foreign visitors can enter for free by presenting their passport.
What are the operating hours of the casino at Marina Bay Sands?
The casino is open 24 hours daily. Note that certain gaming tables and machines may close during off-peak times from 6am – 12pm. The poker room operates daily from 12pm – 3am.
Is there a dress code for the casino and poker room?
Yes, Marina Bay Sands enforces a smart, neat, and tidy dress code in the casino. Avoid wearing shorts, singlets, flip-flops, or torn clothing. Men are required to wear shoes and shirts with sleeves. Smart casual dress is recommended.
What poker games are spread in the Sands Poker Room?
A: Texas Hold’Em is the major game spread, with a mix of cash games and tournaments running daily. Omaha and Open Face Chinese poker are sometimes available as well. Blinds and limits vary across different tables.
Can tourists under 21 enter the casino to watch poker?
No, the legal minimum age to enter the casino, including the poker room, is 21 years old. All patrons must provide valid photo ID. Those under 21 are not permitted entry, even as spectators.
Are there any jackpot promotions or rewards for poker players?
Yes, the Sands Rewards Club offers poker players opportunities to earn rewards points and tier benefits. There are also cash prizes, freerolls, and jackpots that regularly run for rewards members playing poker.
Let me know if you need me to expand on any of the FAQs or add additional ones!
Gambling Problem Help
While gambling is meant to be enjoyable, it can become a serious issue for some individuals. If you’re experiencing difficulties related to gambling, seek help from:
- National Council on Problem Gambling or call 1800-6-668-668
- All Addiction 6-RECOVER: 6-7326837 or visit the National Addictions Management Service
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Hao Cheng Cheng is a renowned authority in the online gambling industry, with over a decade of hands-on experience. Holding a Master's in Cryptographic Engineering from Singapore Institute of Technology, he spent years working at Marina Bay Sands, igniting his passion for the intricacies of casino operations and regulations.
For the past 11 years, Hao has dedicated himself to becoming a leading voice in Singapore's online gambling space. His incisive analysis and meticulous research have earned recognition from the Singapore Casino Association, where he serves as an advisory board member.
In addition to his work on BetCasinoSG, John has also contributed articles to the Gambling Insider, The Washington Post, and Business Insider.
Explore Hao's expertise through his professional portfolio (haoche.ng) and connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest industry commentary from this respected thought leader.
