Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands is reportedly planning to secure an SG$12 billion (US$9 billion) loan facility to finance the ambitious expansion at the Singapore casino resort. Should the pursuit be successful, it would mark the largest syndicated loan in the country’s history. The current record of SG$9.3 billion (US$6.9 billion) is for the acquisition of Fraser & Neave Ltd. in 2012. This comes just weeks after Las Vegas Sands revealed a US$8 billion budget for the property expansion.
Marina Bay Sands Seeking $9 Billion Loan for Resort Expansion
Photo by Flickr, CC by-SA 2.0
Key Takeaways
- DBS, OCBC, OUB, and Maybank will reportedly finance the loan
- It will be a seven-year loan facility
- It will mainly refinance the existing US$4 billion loan from 2019
Loan Details
Malayan Bank, DBS Group Holdings, United Overseas Bank, and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation are currently arranging the loan facility, which carries a seven-year tenor. The amount will primarily refinance an existing US$4 billion loan from August 2019 and cover costs for the project.
Initially estimated at US$3.4 billion, the Marina Bay Sands expansion now carries a projected budget of $8 billion – more than double the previous estimate. Marina Bay Sands expressed that it had “no further information to provide at this time” when approached for comments by a news source. Its parent company, Las Vegas Sands, declined to comment.
Expansion Details
The expansion project, dubbed “Marina Bay Sands IR2”, is expected to begin commercial operations by early 2031. The new phase will mainly focus on adding a fourth tower to the resort, which will boast its own world-class amenities, such as:
- Over 570 luxurious suites
- A 15,000-seat area for live events
- An expanded casino floor
- A rooftop garden.
- Over 110,000 sq ft of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space
- Multiple retail outlets, bars, and restaurants
There’s also an ongoing redevelopment project of its existing facilities scheduled to end in mid-2025. These additions will cement Marina Sands Bay as a leading entertainment destination globally.
Post-Upgrade Expectations
Las Vegas Sands outlined expectations to achieve an annual EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of US$3.5 billion once the resort expansion is complete. As of Q3 2024, the year-on-year EBITDA sat at US$2.06 billion and is expected to rise to US$2.5 billion before the project begins.
The Marina Bay Sands expansion attests to the resort’s dedication to maintaining its premium status. Once the new facilities are complete, the resort is anticipated to boost Singapore’s reputation as a global luxury, business, and entertainment destination.
Lucas is a New Jersey-born and raised copywriter. His content encompasses casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs. Lucas’ professional writing experience spans more than six years. He works globally with clients from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Before he started writing gambling content, Lucas went to Rutgers University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Just to shake things up, he became a painter, following in his father’s footsteps. He now writes full-time and doubles in painting now and then.
Related News
Italy Welcomes New Online Gambling Licensing Regime with Comprehensive Reforms
The nine-year licensing system plans to modernize Italy’s gambling regulations while contributing generously to the government’s revenue.
Japan Casino Regulatory Commission Takes Shape with New Members
Japan's Parliament approved the appointment of new commission members as part of a five-year service rotation while MGM Osaka construction advances.
Curacao Parliament Refines Gambling Law Amid a Licensing Scandal
The jurisdiction intends to rebuild its reputation in the global gambling community with a newly revamped gaming authority for better oversight.
Indonesia Witnesses Increase of Outbound Nationals Seeking Online Gambling Jobs
Reports indicate that the number of Indonesians registering with the country’s embassy in Cambodia has increased more than six-fold.
NSW Launches Compliance Operation to Keep Minors Out of Casinos
The Liquor & Gaming NSW-led compliance operation is to restrict underage individuals from accessing casinos to gamble or consume alcohol.
AUSTRAC Announces Legal Action Against Entain Group Over AML Failures
The civil penalty proceedings highlight serious and systemic non-compliance by the gaming company with Australia’s AML and CTF laws.
Hacksaw Gaming Releases Playfully Presented Donut Division Slot
The medium volatility slot features a decent maximum fixed jackpot potential of up to 12,500x the wager, which can be up to $100 per round.
Mainland China and Macau Intensify Efforts Against Illicit Money Exchange Syndicates
The Ministry of Public Security reported over 260 syndicate busts and as much as US$110 billion identified in the money tout crackdown.
Philippines Expecting Underground POGO Operations Once the Ban Takes Effect
Guerilla operations will likely flourish once all licensed POGOs have been faced out and the government pledges to go after them.
The Philippines Gambling Industry on Track for US$6.03 billion in 2024 GGR
PAGCOR's chairman confirmed that the country's gaming revenue will likely set a record of 350 billion pesos driven by the electronic gaming sector.
GCGRA Warns Residents to Beware of Unlicensed Lottery and Gaming Operators
The gaming regulator warned UAE residents of the dangers of gambling with unlicensed operators, including fraud and criminal implications.
The Philippine Government Targets Remaining Active POGOs in Crackdown
Dozens of POGOs remain active despite the Philippine government demanding their closure in November, resulting in more stringent measures.
NoLimit City Unveils Highly Volatile Action-Packed Casino Game, Tanked
The slot borrows its concept from Elk Studios’ Pirots game, stuffing its version with explosive bonuses to give it a new personality.
Curacao Gaming Control Board Addresses Regulatory Failure Allegations
The authority emphasized it is fully capable of granting, amending, revoking, and denying permits according to industry standard terms and conditions.
Slotmill Makes Xmas Enhancements on Brew Brothers for a Seasonal Sequel
Brew Brothers Xmas Brew recycles the bonus features in the OG slot, including wild multipliers, Old Betty, free spins, sticky wilds, and a Tractor bonus.
BC.GAME Bankruptcy Hints at Deep Issues in Curacao's Gaming Industry
The gaming operator stands to lose its Curacao license as the GCB raises concerns about its financial stability and regulatory compliance.
Pragmatic Play Launches Holiday-Themed Online Slot Santa Xmas Rush
The 6-reel slot features a tumbling reels mechanic for consecutive wins, Christmas-themed symbols, rewarding free spins, and 10,000x win potential.
UK Gambling Act Reforms Introduce Slot Stake Limits and Statutory Levy
The government expects the betting levy on operators to accrue £100 million for gambling harm research, prevention, and treatment systems.
NetEnt Launches Starburst Galaxy, A Sequel to the Popular Starburst Slot
Starburst Galaxy boldly explores exciting bonus features beyond expanding wild symbols, territory that the original never dared to tread.
All-Party Group Urges the UK Government to Restrict Gambling Ads in Northern Ireland
Members of the Stormont Assembly wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sports, citing gambling marketing as a critical concern.
Wynn Resorts on Target for Wynn Al Marjan Island Launch in Q1 2027
Wynn announces that the construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE is progressing steadily, with the main tower scaling to the 26th floor.
Playtika Completes the Acquisition of Mobile Games Developer SuperPlay
Acquiring SuperPlay bolsters Playtika’s portfolio, expanding its development team and positioning it to deliver exceptional gameplay worldwide.
Updated Google Policy Limits Unlicensed Gambling Ads in Germany
Since its implementation, the German gambling regulator GGL reports that the ad policy has eased illegal gambling concerns in Germany.
Thailand Sets Sights on Approving Entertainment Complex Bill by 2025
Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej revealed that the Entertainment Complex Bill is expected to sail through both parliament chambers in 2025.
Suntrust Manila Hotel Casino Announces a New Completion Date in Q4 2025
The property had previously targeted a Q4 2024 launch, suggesting that the project still needs time for commercial operational readiness.
Thailand's Gaming Industry Set for Rapid Growth and Global Prominence
As per expert analysis, Thailand could open its first Integrated Resorts by 2029, outpacing neighboring Singapore and the MGM Osaka launch in Japan.
Game Lounge Expands Global Footprint with Meneer Casino Owner Acquisition
This strategic move bolsters Game Lounge’s presence in the ballooning Dutch iGaming market, which recently underwent regulatory developments.
Hacksaw Gaming Launches Wings of Horus, a Mystical Egyptian-Themed Slot
For bets of up to $100, the pokie entertains with enigmatic features from Orb Symbols and Sacred Scripture to two bonus rounds.
President Ferdinand Marcos Signs EO Enacting the Immediate Ban of POGOs
The Executive order, signed on November 5th, requires all POGOs and related offshore gaming operations to close shop by the end of December.
Galaxy Entertainment Q3 Revenue Rises Year-on-Year but Drops Quarter-on-Quarter
The Group reported higher revenues across the board than this time the previous year, but there was a 2% decline compared to Q2.
Microgaming Announces Strategic Brand Refresh on Its 30th Anniversary
The iGaming company reflects on the massive changes over the last 30 years while embracing a new purpose as a platform software leader.
BGC Publishes First Code Handbook to Raise Industry Standards
Launched in celebration of BGC’s fifth anniversary, the new Code Handbook compiles over 100 measures its members are obliged to follow.
Wynn Resorts Announces Improved Q3 Revenue Results and Strategic Investments
The casino operator noted a remarkable improvement from the previous year's net loss and announced a $1 billion repurchase of shares.