Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has had its casino lisence renewed for just two years, one less than the typical three-year period, as a result of its “unsatisfactory” tourism performance. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) in Singapore made this decision, with the new term set to begin on Feb 6, 2025.
According to GRA, the assessment of RWS focused on its ability to enhance its integrated resort as a tourist destination that resonates with current market demand and industry standards. The evaluation covered the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, revealing deficiencies in RWS’ tourism performance that require remediation and significant enhancements.
The independent evaluation panel, appointed by the Minister for Trade and Industry, expressed these concerns, taking into account the perspectives of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC). When queried about the specific shortcomings of RWS, MTI declined to disclose further details regarding the performance linked to the licence renewal.
The evaluation panel has proposed the conduct of the next assessment in 2026. GRA pledged to collaborate with MTI, STB, and SDC to ensure that RWS meets the obligations to develop, sustain, and promote its integrated resort as an attractive tourism destination.
In December 2023, RWS was fined S$2.25 million (US$1.7 million) by GRA for neglecting to carry out due diligence checks when receiving cash of S$5,000 or more from third parties to deposit into customers’ accounts. Such checks are obligatory for casino operators when cash exceeding S$5,000 is received. GRA stated that this penalty was the largest it had imposed on a casino operator to date. RWS stands as one of Singapore’s two casinos, with Marina Bay Sands managing the other.
