Singapore government working with casino developers to avoid delays

In a statement issued to AFP this week, the tourism agency said it was "aware that the current uncertain economic climate may give rise to concerns on the opening" of the casinos and was monitoring the situation.

The statement followed a report in The Straits Times newspaper that said that Marina Bay Sands, which is being built by Las Vegas Sands, may not open fully at the end of next year as scheduled. The casino was due to open at the end of 2009. The newspaper said the foundation work for the casino was delayed three to four months and quoted sources as saying it was "impossible" for all its facilities to be fully operational by the end of 2009. Marina Bay Sands officials were not immediately available for comment.

Built on reclaimed land from the sea, the project is one of two multi-billion dollar casinos under construction since Singapore legalized casino gaming in 2005 to attract more tourists.

The report also said that Resorts World at Sentosa, the second casino resort which is being built by Malaysia’s Genting International, was in talks with the government to defer the opening of some facilities.

Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa both said their projects were on track to open as scheduled. "STB has been informed by Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World that they expect the respective IRs (integrated resorts) to open in 2009 and 2010 respectively," the tourism board said. "Together with key agencies, we are working closely and are in regular dialogue with both companies to resolve any potential delays that may arise, and to facilitate the completion of the projects."

Singapore is betting on the casino complexes, which will also include hotels, convention centres, family attractions, restaurants and shops, to boost the modern city-state’s attractiveness to foreign tourists.