The renewal will take effect from Feb 6, 2025. SINGAPORE - Resort World Sentosa’s (RWS) casino licence has been renewed for two years, instead of three, after its tourism performance was deemed unsatisfactory by the authorities. In a statement on Nov 18, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) said the renewal will take effect from Feb 6, 2025.
In deciding the new licence period, the agency said it took into account RWS’ ability to “develop, maintain, and promote its integrated resort as a compelling tourist destination that meets prevailing market demand and industry standards”, among other factors. An evaluation panel, appointed by the Minister for Trade and Industry, found that RWS’ tourism performance between 2021 and 2023 was “unsatisfactory”, and added that there were a number of areas that require “rectification and substantial improvement”. GRA said it also considered the views of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).
The panel recommended that the next evaluation of RWS should take place in 2026, said the statement. It added that the GRA will continue to work with MTI, STB, and SDC to ensure that RWS develops, maintains and promotes its integrated resort as a compelling tourist destination. Responding to the licence renewal, RWS operator Genting Singapore said in a statement on Nov 18 that the tourism industry in Singapore faced “very significant challenges” during the .