Resorts World Sentosa has received a two-year casino license extension from Singapore's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), starting February 6, 2025, amid the resort's $5 billion expansion project.

The shorter extension period, compared to the traditional three years, reflects GRA's concerns about the resort's "unsatisfactory" tourism performance. The regulatory body cited several areas requiring "rectification and substantial improvement," though Genting Singapore attributed these challenges to the global pandemic's impact on tourism.

Owned by Genting Singapore, a subsidiary of Malaysia's Genting Group, Resorts World Sentosa operates alongside Marina Bay Sands as one of Singapore's two integrated resort casinos. Both properties agreed to invest $3.3 billion in improvements in 2019 to maintain their duopoly through 2031.

Construction began last Friday on Resorts World Sentosa's expanded development, which includes:

• Two new hotels adding 700 rooms
• Biophilic architecture integrating nature with buildings
• A new waterfront sculpture to enhance Singapore's skyline
• No additional gaming space to the existing 2,400 slots and 550 table games

Since their legalization in 2005, Singapore's integrated resorts have successfully boosted foreign tourism and generated significant tax revenue, despite initial public opposition. Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa have become crucial drivers of Singapore's tourism sector, with both operators now committing to investments exceeding their initial $3.3 billion agreement.

The GRA will continue working with various government agencies to ensure Resorts World Sentosa meets its obligations as a tourist destination, maintaining Singapore's position as a premier gaming and entertainment hub in Asia Pacific.

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