Singapore's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has extended Resorts World Sentosa's casino license for two years starting February 6, 2025, instead of the typical three-year extension, citing unsatisfactory tourism performance.

Genting Singapore, a subsidiary of Malaysia's Genting Group, operates Resorts World Sentosa, one of Singapore's two integrated resort casinos. The shortened extension reflects the property's regulatory and tourism promotion shortcomings during the previous licensing period, though the company attributes these challenges to the global pandemic.

The casino, along with Marina Bay Sands, initially committed $3.3 billion in investments in 2019 to maintain their gambling duopoly through 2031. Resorts World Sentosa has now increased its expansion budget to approximately $5 billion, with construction beginning last Friday on two new hotels totaling 700 rooms.

The expansion project features biophilic architecture, combining nature with buildings, and includes a new waterfront sculpture set to transform Singapore's skyline. The current casino houses 2,400 slot machines and over 550 live dealer table games, with no additional gaming planned in the expansion.

Since legalizing casino resorts in 2005 despite public opposition, Singapore has seen significant benefits in foreign tourism and tax revenue from both properties. The GRA will continue working with various government agencies to ensure Resorts World Sentosa meets its obligations as a tourist destination.

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