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Singapore’s bet on integrated resorts: Has it paid off and should we double down?

A focus on future-proofing jobs, strengthening inclusivity and updating social safeguards will enable the IRs to continue making net contributions to Singapore

Today, Marina Bay Sands (above) and Resorts World Sentosa are among the world’s most profitable gaming resorts.

ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Terence Ho

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New integrated resorts (IRs)

set to be built in Japan

and possibly Thailand will pose fresh competition for Singapore’s IRs just as the latter are poised to expand.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) have pledged to invest $9 billion in non-gaming attractions under an agreement to have their exclusive casino licences extended to 2030. MBS plans to add a fourth tower with 1,000

hotel rooms

, along with a 15,000-seat arena for live entertainment events, while

RWS will expand Universal Studios Singapore

and upgrade the existing S.E.A. Aquarium to a larger oceanarium.

Singapore’s bet on integrated resorts: Has it paid off and should we double down?

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