Resorts World Sentosa’s tourism performance ‘unsatisfactory’, casino licence renewed for 2 years only

[fordsolo]

The tourism performance of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) was “unsatisfactory” over a three-year period, according to a statutory board that issues licences to gambling operators.

This was announced by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) in a statement on Monday (18 Nov).

RWS’ tourism performance was evaluated from 1 Jan 2021 to 31 Dec 2023, GRA said.

This assessment by an independent panel took into account the integrated resort’s ability to “develop, maintain and promote” itself as a “compelling tourist destination that meets prevailing market demand and industry standards”.

Besides the panel, views of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore Tourism Board, and Sentosa Development Corporation were also considered.

After the evaluation, the panel found “a number of areas” that required “rectification and substantial improvement”, GRA said.

Thus, an “unsatisfactory” rating was handed out.

The panel recommended that RWS be evaluated again in two years, i.e. 2026.

Accordingly, RWS’ casino licence was renewed for two years from 6 Feb 2025.

In contrast, the normal length of a casino licence is three years, according to Regulation 5 of the Casino Control (Casino Licence and Fees) Regulations 2009.

GRA, however, may issue a licence shorter than three years “for any other reason” if it is of the opinion that three years “is not appropriate”.

At the end of last year, GRA fined RWS S$2.25 million, according to a statement on 8 Dec 2023.

This was for failing to perform due diligence checks on customers, which were required when cash of S$5,000 or more was deposited into a patron’s account.

GRA said between December 2016 and December 2019, RWS didn’t perform the checks when its employees collected cash of S$5,000 or more from third parties for depositing into patrons’ accounts.

Specifically, the identities of the third-party depositors weren’t established — the requisite identifying information wasn’t recorded, nor were their identities verified using “reliable and independent sources” as required under regulations against money laundering and terrorism financing.

GRA also flagged “systemic failures” that resulted in non-detection of the non-compliances, saying:

When the non-compliances were detected, RWS took prompt action to improve its processes and engaged an independent party to review their standard operating procedures. RWS has also undertaken a review of its corporate culture, with a view to strengthening its internal controls and corporate governance.

GRA took a “serious view” of the lapses and “will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against errant casino operators”, it added.

Thus, it would continue to exercise tight supervision over the operators’ compliance with regulatory requirements.
https://mustsharenews.com/resorts-world-sentosa-casino-licence/

 

[coldish]

So many go cruises to gamble

 

[iluvchickenwing]

their service sucks too. rude.

 

[A Better Tomorrow]

Means got junkets liao?

 

[106gunner]

Is CRA and our gahmen intend to give the licence to a new casino operator like SJM holdings?

Wouldn’t affect RSW much since Genting Berhad in Malaysia is doing very well, hotel occupancy everyday full house

Same goes to their cruises

 

[fortunehunter]

their service sucks too. rude.

Kana once from one JHK beng manager. Didn't go back since.

 

[tatsit]

Jia lat sia.. it's like saying the laundromat is doing its duty way too well that the landlord has to reduce the lease period.

Actually, this model should be adopted for hawkers instead of charging high rental. If hawkers cannot meet KPI, be it sales or hygiene, reduce their lease period.

 

[Lchlch]

If lapse again how?
Or unsatisfactory?

 

[PaulLevesque]

Went before. Really lose to mbs. Too many chapalang people being a nuisance

 

[106gunner]

If lapse again how?
Or unsatisfactory?

Then their licence will not be renewed and likely call for a new casino operator to bid for the licence

 

[Enola88]

Money not enough ........

 

[klim668]

If lapse again how?
Or unsatisfactory?

Revoke their license.
Ntuc take over.

 

[starry_starry_night]

Kana once from one JHK beng manager. Didn't go back since.

Inside full of jiuhu sai anyway

 

[Skoda29]

Show only partly due to post COVID recovery nbr not that great either.
The extension when completed in 2030 cld be a game changer for RWS.

 

[KYZT2021]

like will revoke?

 

[Zinna]

Time to replace all the existing frontline staff with chiobus

 

[Kunkka]

Lol casino cannot wash money might as well close down

 

[woonwoonjiakbeehoon]

should let another operator come in and take over!

make them wake up the idea

 

[sPacEmAn_sPiFf]

for show only.. you think we will ask them to close down and leave sentosa meh

 

[fortunehunter]

Inside full of jiuhu sai anyway

Really don't know why we go support such place when they treat us like buggers go in lnsai casino take free drinks ah. We pay 150 ok.