Analysts forecast Singapore's casino market would rival Las Vegas

They said growth would also be driven by new tourist attractions coming up this year at the two integrated resorts. The Battlestar Galatica ride reopened earlier this week at the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

Along with other attractions that are set to open this year, the rollercoaster is expected to help Resorts World Sentosa pull in the crowds.

DBS Vickers pointed out that RWS would add two more rides that are new and a museum. The other integrated resort Marina Bay Sands recently opened its Arts Science Museum.

Some experts said more visitors to the resorts could act as a positive spillover for Singapore's gaming sector.

SIAS Research analyst Liu Jinshu said: "The Singapore gaming industry is still in an early stage of growth. There's still a very much wider audience to reach globally. And on top of that, you must consider the fact that the integrated resorts are not just marketed as casinos, but also as a family and MICE attraction.”

“ So when you look at the whole value proposition of our integrated resorts, there are still a lot of areas for development,” she added.

According to forecasts by brokerage, firm CLSA, Singapore's gaming revenue could hit US$6 billion this year, on par with that of Las Vegas, but behind Macau at US$30 billion. By 2012, Singapore is expected to rake in US$8 billion, ahead of Las Vegas at US$6 billion.

Macau gaming revenues are forecast at US$34.7 billion next year.
These projections do not include the possible contribution from junket operators, who bring in high rollers and charge casinos a commission.

According to analysts, Singapore regulators are expected to award these licenses as early as the end of March.

In the three months that ended in December, MBS earned a pre-tax profit of US$391 million from US$717 million in revenue.

RWS garnered a pre-tax profit of US$390 million from US$775 million in revenue.