In Singapore’s battle of casinos, Marina Bay Sands holds winning hand against Sentosa

At Singapore's dynamic gambling scene, Marina Bay Sands' casino, Resorts World, has emerged as the clear winner against Sentosa. The disparity in their fortunes became evident during the Lunar New Year lucky draw in early 2026, where Marina Bay Sands generously awarded a new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 to its top winner, while Sentosa’s prize was a mere bottle of Martell Cognac.

This sore point has widened the gap between the two giants, putting pressure on Sentosa, which is up for licence renewal soon. Singapore, the Southeast Asian financial hub, has experienced a post-Covid surge in tourists and wealthy gamblers from neighboring countries and China, contributing to the casino duopoly's lopsided nature.

Marina Bay Sands has reaped the benefits, earning over US$2.1 billion in casino revenues for the first half of 2026, while Sentosa's numbers remain barely a third of that. Despite the challenges, Resorts World Sentosa's operator, Genting Singapore, claims to be well-prepared for the upcoming assessment. The regulator has acknowledged the Sentosa resort's tourism performance as "unsatisfactory," granting it a two-year casino licence instead of the usual three-year term.

Genting Singapore maintains close communication with authorities and believes it is "well positioned" for the next review cycle. The operator has recently added new attractions and experiences to enhance the overall guest experience and position itself for sustainable growth. However, Ben Lee, a Macau-based consulting firm partner, remains skeptical, citing the lack of a "luxuriate experience" at Resorts World Sentosa compared to Marina Bay Sands.

The latter has been a significant draw for high-roller VIPs, who contribute significantly to casino revenues and profits. Resorts World Sentosa's VIP club has seen a decline in its share of the VIP market, now sitting at around 36%, down from a 20% share in 2023. VIP members have complained about the dated infrastructure, unresponsive management, and the process of exchanging cash and chips.

Marina Bay Sands, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive VIP experience, including suite stays with butler service, musical tickets, dining credit, and exclusive events. It also boasts an integrated resort that is one of the world's most profitable, featuring three 57-storey hotel towers, a large boat-shaped rooftop, an art museum, and a shopping center.