Resorts World Sentosa is set to have its operations probed again in 2026 after its recent performance was deemed “unsatisfactory” in many areas.
The development comes as the company had its licence renewed by Singapore’s Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA), with the new two-year term starting in February next year.
The GRA could have issued Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) with a new three-year licence but only offered a two-year extension, owing to the results of an external audit.
An Evaluation Panel, appointed by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, concluded that a number of aspects of the company’s operations “require rectification and substantial improvement,” the GRA said.
Views on Resorts World Sentosa’s performance from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) were also taken into account, with the company’s performance branded “unsatisfactory,” the GRA said.
The audit related to operations at Resorts World Sentosa between the start of 2021 and the end of 2023.
“GRA will continue to work with MTI, STB and SDC to ensure that RWS meets the requirement to develop, maintain and promote its IR [integrated resort] as a compelling tourist destination,” the regulator said.
Section 45 of the Casino Control Act 2006 mandates the GRA to ensure Resorts World Sentosa’s operations meet “prevailing market demand and industry standards.”
A Resorts World Sentosa statement read: "The tourism industry in Singapore in general, including RWS, faced very significant challenges during this evaluation period which coincided with the global pandemic.
"RWS continues to accelerate its transformation to refresh and rejuvenate existing offerings to deepen its destination appeal and visitor experiences.
"With its RWS2.0 expansion plans underway, RWS is dedicated to maintaining its status as the premier lifestyle tourism destination."
