Singapore’s first casino, the Marina Bay Sands, is due to open in 2009. It is being developed by Las Vegas Sands group. It is to be a $3.2 billion resort with convention centers and entertainment complex and will be located in the Financial Center near the downtown area. The only organized internet bingo gambling in the country at the present time is at the Kranji Racetrack. It includes race book gambling.

Singapore is looking to join the gambling growth industry that is exploding in the Far East. Bidding is now in process by developers to build a hotel-casino play bingo resort. There are already many forms of gambling that are legal in the country but they have shunned casinos until recently. The new resort complex will be on Sentosa Island. There is some dissent about the new casino project. Supporter look at the casino resort as a way of diversifying the economy since the manufacturing sector is feeling the effects of Chinese competition. It is believed that the resort will attract tourists to the island and help out the economy. The tax revenues would also help the government. Opposition is coming from the Muslim and Christian community who are concerned about the effects of bingo palace gambling.

There are three bidders competing to develop the resort; Eighth Wonder of Las Vegas is heading one group of bidders. Genting International of Malaysia heads a group which has a $3.3 billion dollar proposal and Kerzner International of the Bahamas has another group with a $3.4 billion dollar proposal.