Las Vegas Sands’ (LVS) plans for Singapore may include expansion of its current casino space at Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
LVS had said in April that construction on a S$4.5 billion expansion could begin in July 2025, and be completed by 2029 as part of license exclusivity extension commitment.
Earlier reports said a fourth tower will be built, together with a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat arena to stage major concerts, on land adjacent to the MBS’ existing three towers.
The Straits Times understands that there will not be a new casino facility in the fourth tower, but an expansion of the current casino space granted by the authorities in 2019.
Singapore had announced then that integrated resort (IR) operators can expand their casinos in order for the new attractions to remain commercially viable, but any additions must be targeted at “higher-tier, non-mass market players, who are mainly tourists”.
If the IRs do expand their casinos to the maximum allowed, it would increase the current gaming space from 30,000 sqm to 32,500 sqm, it was then reported.
LVS CEO, Rob Goldstein, commented that Singapore is experiencing rapid growth, with the city-state having emerged as a significantly “important market.”
LVS, which shares the market with rival casino operator Genting Singapore, said first-quarter revenue in the country increased 37% to US$1.16 billion.
Based on current trends, Singapore could see US$7 billion in gambling revenue overall this year, on its way to US$10 billion in the near future, Goldstein said.
Sands said last month that construction on the expansion could begin in July 2025. Drawings show a new hotel tower and a 15,000-seat performance venue. The project is separate from a $1.75 billion refurbishment of the existing property.
Details On Upcoming Marina Bay Sands Expansion
A new fourth tower was first announced in 2019 and full-scale construction is expected to begin by July 2025 with the completion targeted for July 2029.
It was previously reported that the additional building will have a 15,000-seat live entertainment arena, restaurants, close to 600 hotel rooms, a sky roof with a swimming pool and a signature restaurant, among other features.
Expected to cost about US$3.3 billion (S$4.5 billion), MBS’ expansion plan was held back by issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Las Vegas Sands is interested in hosting concerts from the likes of Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, as well as Asian acts, at the new entertainment arena when it is ready, Goldstein said.
“Entertainment is a very important part of the mix,” he said. “We’re proposing to build a very big part of that into our new building in Singapore.”
About Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands is now one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers in the Marina Bay Financial District.
Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. The vision was to build an integrated development that is timeless, and a landmark that possesses a distinct identity which distinguishes Singapore from other cities.
Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, the integrated resort features more than 2,200 hotel rooms and suites across its three cascading hotel towers, and an extraordinary rooftop Sands SkyPark with an Infinity Pool. It also boasts the best shopping mall in Asia, the largest nightclub in Singapore, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, a theatre and a Las Vegas-style casino.
Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates. Completing the line-up of attractions is ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions.