Casino developers may still have to wait

Casino developers may still have to wait

SINGAPORE: Developers vying for concessions to build Singapore's casino resorts will have to wait six months longer for a decision on the Sentosa Island site, sources said on Tuesday.

The government is planning to announce the developer of the project on the Marina Bayfront near downtown by the end of this year, but six months later for Sentosa, The Business Times reported.

Trade and industry minister Lim Hng Kiang announced last month that concessions for the two resorts worth about US$3 billion would be announced by the end of 2005.

The list of bidders has been whittled down to 12, including the Las Vegas Sands Corp., Wynn Resorts Ltd., MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Kerzner International Ltd., Eight Wonder, Australia's TabCorp Holdings and Malaysia's Genting Bhd.

"Preparations ... are in progress," said Chang Chee Pey with the Singapore Tourism Board. -- DPA