Resorts World Sentosa’s CEO Responds to Casino License Renewal and Future Plans
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), one of Singapore's iconic integrated resorts, is gearing up confidently for its next casino license review in 2026, despite receiving a shorter license renewal from authorities. The resort’s CEO, Lee Shi Ruh, shared insights with CNBC during the grand opening week of the Singapore Oceanarium, outlining a clear vision for growth focused on immersive experiences rather than traditional retail.
Shortened Casino License Renewal Sparks Attention
In November 2024, the Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) renewed Resorts World Sentosa’s casino license for two years instead of the customary three, citing ‘unsatisfactory’ tourism performance between 2021 and 2023. This move sent ripples through the industry, signaling the regulator’s heightened expectations for integrated resorts to boost tourism and economic performance sustainably.
Despite this regulatory caution, RWS has not scaled back its ambitious plans. The resort remains committed to investing a substantial SGD 6.8 billion (approximately USD 5.3 billion) to expand and revitalize its offerings.
Transforming Into a Premium Lifestyle Destination
CEO Lee Shi Ruh emphasized that the resort’s focus has shifted dramatically. "Our biggest push is transforming Resorts World Sentosa into a premium lifestyle destination," she explained. This represents a pivot away from the once-dominant strategy centered around shopping and retail, which has waned in popularity among modern travelers.
Instead, RWS is prioritizing immersive and family-friendly experiences, leveraging globally beloved entertainment brands and innovative concepts.
Investing in Experiences Over Shopping
One notable transformation is the replacement of the Madagascar-themed zone at Universal Studios Singapore with Minion Land, inspired by the universally recognized characters from the Despicable Me franchise.
Lee highlighted how the Minions’ unique blend of languages — dubbed “Minionese,” which includes elements of English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Tagalog — resonates across cultures and age groups, making it a compelling attraction for a diverse visitor base.
Expanding Hospitality and Attractions
- The Laurus Hotel: Set to debut later in 2025, this new luxury hotel will evoke the feel of a "collector's home," offering guests a curated, intimate experience right in the heart of Singapore.
- Super Nintendo World: A highly anticipated addition to Universal Studios Singapore, this immersive themed area will tap into the popularity of Nintendo’s iconic video game characters.
- Waterfront Lifestyle Complex: Planned as a brownfield redevelopment project visible from mainland Singapore, this complex will feature a 700-room hotel, picturesque hiking trails, and a signature 289-foot light sculpture. It aims to boost the appeal of the Greater Southern Waterfront precinct significantly.
While Lee refrained from confirming whether the new waterfront complex will include gaming facilities, the development signals RWS's strategic diversification beyond gambling to capture a broader market seeking holistic leisure and lifestyle experiences.
Expert Insight: Navigating Regulatory Pressure Amid Regional Competition
Singapore’s tightened licensing terms reflect growing regulatory scrutiny to align casino operations with national tourism and societal objectives. Integrated resorts like RWS walk a tightrope, balancing profit ambitions with sustainable community integration and visitor satisfaction.
Given the ASEAN region’s competitive leisure landscape, particularly with emerging resorts in nearby countries, RWS's reorientation toward lifestyle and family-friendly attractions could safeguard long-term relevance. This evolution aligns with global trends where gambling alone is insufficient to drive tourism — diverse, engaging experiences are taking center stage.
Looking Ahead: A Game-Changing Phase to 2030
Lee called 2025 a “game-changing year” for the resort. With a steady rollout of new attractions and accommodations planned well through 2030, Resorts World Sentosa is set to redefine Singapore’s entertainment and tourism landscape once again.
For stakeholders, the message is clear: despite the regulatory hiccup, RWS is doubling down on innovation and experiential diversity to ensure it stays at the forefront of integrated resort excellence.
Editor’s Note
Resorts World Sentosa’s next few years illustrate a broader shift in global integrated resort strategy — from a heavy reliance on gaming and shopping to creating immersive, culturally resonant experiences that appeal across demographics and geographies. As Singapore’s regulatory environment tightens, this case poses critical questions about how integrated resorts can maintain competitiveness while aligning with broader public policy goals. How will RWS’s investments influence the regional tourism ecosystem? And can experiential diversity offset regulatory constraints to sustain vibrant growth? These are the narratives to watch closely as we approach the 2026 license review.
