Singapore Prepares Formal Request for Casinos
20 September 2005
Singapore is preparing a formal request for proposals to be sent to the dozen casino companies seeking licenses to operate casinos in the island city-state. By the end of the month, the tourist board is expected to issue the request, which will likely list guidelines on how much space should be provided for gaming and the like.
Only two licenses will be issued by the Singapore Government, and among the competitors are Harrah's, MGM, and Kerzner International Ltd.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has lifted the four decade long ban on casinos in the hopes of attracting tourists, after Singapore's tourism market dropped, starting in 2003. However, it appears that many local groups, such as Focus on the Family in Singapore, object to the plan, claiming that casinos could aggravate social problems, including illegal prostitution and loans on the black market.
When the government first sought interest from developers and casino operators, 19 proposals were received, out of which 14 were placed on the shortlist. Two bidders have already dropped out, and the dozen remaining are expected to receive formal requests for the proposal.
Details of the bidding process are to be announced soon, although Rostam Umar, Singapore Tourism Board spokesman, has refused to expand on the issue.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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