Renewed Casino Licence for RWS, but with Conditions
The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has renewed the casino licence of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), an integrated resort (IR) operated by Genting Singapore, for a two-year period. However, this is shorter than the standard three-year term typically granted to casinos in Singapore.
Reason for the Shorter Term
The evaluation panel appointed by the minister for trade and industry deemed RWS’ tourism performance from 2021 to 2023 as “unsatisfactory”, leading to the shorter term of evaluation.
Conditions for Renewal
The specific conditions that GRA requires of Genting Singapore were not disclosed, but analysts believe that the two-year period of evaluation occurred when Singapore was exiting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Next Evaluation
The Gambling Regulatory Authority has recommended that RWS’ next evaluation be carried out in 2026, with “a number of areas that require rectification and substantial improvement” identified.
Conclusion
The renewal of RWS’ casino licence for a two-year period comes with conditions, and the next evaluation will be carried out in 2026. The GRA has identified areas that require improvement, and Genting Singapore will need to work towards rectifying these issues to maintain its licence.
FAQs
Q: Why was the casino licence renewed for a shorter period?
A: The evaluation panel deemed RWS’ tourism performance from 2021 to 2023 as “unsatisfactory”, leading to the shorter term of evaluation.
Q: What are the conditions for renewal?
A: The specific conditions that GRA requires of Genting Singapore were not disclosed, but analysts believe that the two-year period of evaluation occurred when Singapore was exiting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Q: When will the next evaluation be carried out?
A: The Gambling Regulatory Authority has recommended that RWS’ next evaluation be carried out in 2026.
Q: What does this mean for RWS and Genting Singapore?
A: RWS and Genting Singapore will need to work towards rectifying the areas identified by the GRA that require improvement to maintain its licence.
