Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan told media there will be no new casino licenses awarded after a 2017 moratorium expires. Lee Yi Shyan made the announcement on Monday explaining the Government wants to focus on Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands  Resorts. In 2007 a 10 year moratorium on awarding new licenses was put in place after giving Sentosa and Marina Bay their casino operating licenses.

At the time the casinos were granted exclusive rights to Singapore’s gaming industry to ensure Genting Singapore and Las Vegas Sands could recoup their big investments as well as limit the amount of gambling establishments available to Singaporeans.

Lee Yi Shyan said the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) will be the focus in the next several years to ensure their services and attractions continue to meet tourism appeal as well as the needs of Singaporeans.