| |
SINGAPORE: US entertainment and leisure giant Wynn Resorts said it has made it into a second round of bidding to build and run casino resorts in Singapore.
The company said in a statement it "has been notified by the Singapore Tourism Board that it has qualified to participate in the Request for Proposal for an Integrated Resort that will be issued by the Singapore government in the second quarter of 2005."
At least three other foreign companies have confirmed they have also recieved invitations to submit firm proposals for the proposed Integrated Resorts, which would include the city-state's first casinos.
US gaming firm Harrah's Entertainment and its Singapore partner, Keppel Land, said they had qualified to participate in the second round of bidding.
Bahamas-based Kerzner International and Las Vegas-headquartered MGM Mirage, which has partnered with another Singapore property developer CapitaLand, have said they are also on the shortlist.
After months of debate, Singapore last week announced plans to build two massive casino resorts to spice up its staid image and attract more tourists.
A total of 19 potential developers, including the world's top casino operators, had submitted proposals as part of the government's initial feasibility study.
Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang has said the government will trim down the list, with those shortlisted invited to submit firm proposals.
Request for proposals will close in the third quarter and licenses will be issued by the end of the year. The casino resorts should be operational around 2009.
"We are committed to continuing our participation in the process initiated by the Singapore government and look forward to working with government agencies to develop a new, exciting destination," Wynn Resorts president Ron Kramer said in the statement.
The integrated resort projects, which will offer convention facilities, hotels, theatres, museums and theme parks apart from casino gambling, will be located on the Marina Bayfront bordering the financial district and Sentosa island. - AFP
| Casino Decision: Channelnewsasia.com special coverage >>> |
|
|
