Giant casino company, Las Vegas Sands, places an $8 billion wager on Singapore's resort expansion project.
In a significant development for Singapore's tourism sector, Las Vegas Sands officially began construction on its US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) expansion project at Marina Bay Sands on July 15, 2025. The project, named IR2, is expected to be completed by mid-2030 and is planned to open in January 2031, subject to government approval.
The IR2 expansion will see the addition of an ultra-luxurious resort and entertainment destination, adjacent to the iconic Marina Bay Sands. The project, designed by Safdie Architects, will feature a 55-storey hotel tower with 570 luxury suites, each larger than those in the current Marina Bay Sands. The hotel tower will offer a new benchmark for high-end accommodation in Singapore.
Entertainment-wise, the IR2 complex will boast a 15,000-seat arena for concerts, sports, and major events, designed by global firm Populous. Luxury retail boutiques, wellness offerings, and high-end restaurants will also be part of the complex, including the new Cantonese fine-dining venue Jin Ting Wan. The new gaming area will complement the existing casino facilities.
In line with Singapore’s sustainability goals, the project emphasizes eco-conscious design. The expansion will also provide 200,000 square feet of meeting space, further reinforcing Singapore’s status as a global business events hub.
The IR2 expansion represents a US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) commitment by Las Vegas Sands, signaling a major bet on Singapore’s long-term growth as a luxury tourism and business destination. The original Marina Bay Sands integrated resort already directly employs over 12,000 people in Singapore, with 92% of its procurement spent on local businesses in the previous year. The expansion is expected to create thousands more jobs and further boost local suppliers and service providers.
The IR2 expansion is designed to increase high-value tourism and solidify Singapore’s position as Southeast Asia’s premier luxury destination. By offering a seamless blend of luxury hospitality, world-class entertainment, and sustainable design, IR2 is expected to attract higher-spending visitors, including business travelers, affluent leisure tourists, and event-goers.
The Singapore expansion is generating attention across the region, particularly in countries like Thailand, where policy debates continue about whether and how to develop large-scale integrated resorts. IR2’s strategic location and scale underscore Singapore’s proactive approach to tourism infrastructure, even as neighboring countries grapple with regulatory and political challenges.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new complex was led by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with Miriam Adelson, the wife of the late Sheldon Adelson, thanking Singapore and its leaders for trusting the company. Patrick Dumont, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands, expressed confidence in Singapore and the potential he sees in the region. Since starting operations in Singapore in 2010, Las Vegas Sands has invested "more than US$15 billion" in Singapore.
Upon completion, the expansion of the Sands resort is expected to refresh Singapore's skyline. Singapore, already known for its world-class zoo and wildlife parks, Formula One night race on the city's streets, and Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios theme park, will further solidify its standing as a premier tourist destination.
- The IR2 expansion, an $8 billion investment by Las Vegas Sands, aims to boost Singapore's status as an international luxury business destination, attracting higher-spending visitors, including business travelers and affluent leisure tourists.
- The IR2 complex, designed to increase high-value tourism, will not only offer a seamless blend of luxury hospitality and world-class entertainment but also provide 200,000 square feet of meeting space, further strengthening Singapore's position as a global hub for business events and finance.
