Marina Bay Sands secures record $12 billion loan for casino expansion

February 19, 2025

Marina Bay Sands secures record $12 billion loan for casino expansion

Marina Bay Sands Pte has secured a massive $12 billion (US$9 billion) multi-tranche loan, to refinance existing debt and support the expansion of its casino resort in Singapore, according to a Bloomberg report.

Major banks back loan

The loan facility was coordinated by DBS Group Holdings Ltd, Malayan Banking Bhd, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, and United Overseas Bank Ltd. In total, 22 other lenders participated when the deal was syndicated to the broader market. This landmark financing deal surpasses the previous record, a $9.3 billion loan secured in 2012 for Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi’s acquisition of Fraser & Neave Ltd.

A spokesperson for Marina Bay Sands declined to comment on the loan, while its parent company, Las Vegas Sands Corp., has yet to respond to inquiries as reported by Bloomberg.

Expansion costs surge amid tourism boom

The Marina Bay Sands expansion project was initially projected to cost approximately US$3.4 billion when it was first announced in 2019. The latest estimates, however, put the total cost at US$8 billion, more than double the initial estimate.

The extra funds will be invested in the integrated resort that comprises casino complexes, luxury hotels, entertainment facilities, and conferencing venues. The project focuses on making Singapore an even more prominent global tourist and business center.

Singapore’s tourism industry on the rise

Singapore’s tourism industry has seen a strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, international visitor arrivals increased by 21 percent, reaching 16.5 million. Tourists from China, Indonesia, and India were the largest contributors to this growth.

With the tourism sector thriving, the expansion of Marina Bay Sands is expected to attract more high-value travellers and boost Singapore’s hospitality, gaming, and entertainment industries.