Singapore, November 20 — Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has had its casino licence renewed for only two years, a deviation from the usual three-year term. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) cited the integrated resort’s “unsatisfactory” tourism performance as the key reason for this decision. The renewal, effective February 6, 2025, marks the first time GRA has issued a casino licence with a shorter tenure, reflecting concerns over RWS’ ability to meet market demand and industry standards.
The shortened licence renewal follows an evaluation by a panel appointed by the Minister for Trade and Industry. The panel reviewed RWS’ tourism performance from 2021 to 2023 and found it lacking in key areas. This period coincided with challenges faced by the tourism industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. Authorities, including the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), supported the decision to focus on improvements.
RWS’ tourism offerings from 2021 to 2023 were deemed “unsatisfactory” by the evaluation panel. The panel identified specific areas requiring rectification and improvement to enhance the resort’s appeal as a tourist destination.
This is the first instance of the GRA issuing a casino licence with a shorter, two-year term instead of the standard three years. The next evaluation for RWS is scheduled for 2026.
Genting Singapore, RWS’ operator, cited the Covid-19 pandemic as a significant factor affecting the resort’s performance. The company pledged to accelerate its transformation to rejuvenate and expand its offerings.
RWS plans to invest S$6.8 billion in a new waterfront lifestyle complex, set for completion by 2030. The expansion includes two luxury hotels, an 88-meter-tall light sculpture, and a “mountain trail,” adding 164,000 sq m to its gross floor area.
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The GRA, alongside MTI, STB, and SDC, will work with RWS to ensure the integrated resort meets its potential as a compelling tourist destination. Efforts are underway to enhance visitor experiences and align with market demands.
The shortened licence renewal serves as a wake-up call for RWS to address gaps in its tourism performance. For Singaporeans and international visitors, the planned enhancements and new developments promise a revitalized experience at the integrated resort in the coming years.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has received a two-year casino licence renewal due to “unsatisfactory” tourism performance from 2021 to 2023. The GRA’s decision emphasizes the need for improvements, with RWS pledging to rejuvenate its offerings and expand its property by 2030 through a S$6.8 billion investment.
Sources: Bloomberg, The Straits Times (2024)
Keywords: Resorts World Sentosa, Casino License Renewal, Performance Issues
