Singapore has renewed Genting Singapore Ltd.’s casino license for a shortened two-year term, citing “unsatisfactory” tourism performance at its Resorts World Sentosa. Typically, the Gambling Regulatory Authority extends casino licenses for three years, but the review revealed areas within Resorts World Sentosa that “require rectification and substantial improvement.” The new license period will commence on February 6, with a follow-up evaluation scheduled for 2026.
Genting stated that the government’s evaluation, covering the period from January 2021 to December 2023, took place during the global Covid-19 pandemic, a time when the company faced “significant challenges.”
Resorts World Sentosa, which features more than 550 gaming tables and over 2,400 slot machines, is one of just two casinos in Singapore, alongside Marina Bay Sands. In a move to revitalise its offerings, Resorts World Sentosa recently broke ground on a $5 billion waterfront expansion, which will add 700 new hotel rooms, a Minions-themed area at Universal Studios Singapore, and an upgraded aquarium.
The company emphasised its ongoing efforts to “accelerate its transformation” and refresh existing attractions to enhance the visitor experience and deepen its destination appeal.
Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa’s main rival, is also looking to expand. The casino resort is seeking approximately S$12 billion (US$9 billion) in financing to fund the construction of a new fourth tower and a 15,000-seat arena designed for live entertainment and conferences. Marina Bay Sands is also preparing to seek a renewal of its own casino license, which is set to expire in April.
