Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), a key player in Singapore’s gaming and tourism sector, faces a pivotal year in 2026 as it seeks to bolster its reputation with regulators and investors. Following concerns raised by the Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) over its performance from 2021 to 2023, the integrated resort is under scrutiny. The GRA awarded RWS a provisional two-year licence renewal in February 2025, a deviation from the standard three-year term, citing the need to meet market demand and industry standards.
RWS has embarked on a substantial $5.3 billion expansion to address these concerns, aiming to attract more visitors and enhance its market positioning. This comprehensive project focuses on four key areas: entertainment, hospitality, lifestyle, and marine discovery. Recent additions to the resort include a Minion Land theme park and Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Singapore. October saw the opening of the Laurus hotel, and plans are underway for further luxury accommodation. The Weave district expands RWS’s lifestyle offerings with a blend of dining and retail experiences, while the Singapore Oceanarium, housing over 40,000 marine species, adds a unique element to the resort’s attractions.
The expansion, led by CEO Lee Shi Ruh, seeks to address evolving visitor expectations for diverse and high-quality experiences. “Our objective is to offer experiences that resonate deeply with our guests while delivering sustainable value to Singapore and our shareholders,” Lee stated, underscoring the data-driven approach to the project. Once completed, the expansion will increase the site’s gross floor area by approximately 50%, adding more than 164,000 square meters of space.
RWS, opened in 2010 alongside Marina Bay Sands, has historically trailed its competitor. In the third quarter of 2025, Marina Bay Sands reported an 83% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $743 million, with revenues rising 56.3% year-on-year to $1.44 billion. In contrast, Genting Singapore, the parent company of RWS, showed more modest growth, with a revenue increase of 16% to $473 million and a 36% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $162 million. The operator attributed these gains to increased VIP patronage and foot traffic.
To enhance its appeal, RWS is focusing on providing engaging experiences for both gaming and non-gaming visitors. CEO Lee commented on efforts to encourage longer stays, “Previously, guests might come just to gamble. We want to offer more—dining, socializing, family activities—with something new every few weeks.”
The ongoing expansion aims to redefine RWS’s identity by 2030, aligning with Singapore’s vision for innovative tourism. Lee emphasized the resort’s unique integration of leisure, culture, and hospitality, located conveniently close to the city. However, the resort faces renewed regulatory evaluation this year, with its licence renewal set for February 2027.
Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands is also pursuing growth, with an $8 billion investment in a fourth hotel tower, a large arena, and new event spaces, expected to be completed by 2029. As both resorts undergo significant transformations, the competitive landscape remains dynamic, with regulatory oversight playing a crucial role in shaping future developments.
The upcoming regulatory review of RWS’s licence will be a critical juncture for the resort. The outcomes will likely influence investor confidence and determine its operational trajectory. As both RWS and Marina Bay Sands advance their expansion plans, the broader market will be watching closely to see how these developments impact Singapore’s status as a premier global destination for gaming and tourism.