Reports that the Singapore government may be contacting some of the casino companies involved with proposals for the integrated casino resort (IR) on an unofficial basis to inform them that, should the government decide to allow a casino, they will be invited for the next round of proposals, is indeed a move in the right direction. Apart from the fact that the companies involved are the leaders in the industry worldwide, there is nothing worse than hanging on spec, when investment on other projects could be addressed if there is a no go to a proposal in one jurisdiction.

Industry sources claim that the companies that have met the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) Request for Concept (RFC) requirements include CapitaLand in partnership with MGM Mirage, Hotel Properties Limited, Kerzner International, Eighth Wonder in partnership with Starwood, Harrah's Entertainment with Keppel Land, and Australia's Tabcorp. Those would be the companies scheduled to meet with STB to discuss further their involvement in Singapore’s gaming industry.

The Singapore Government will announce officially their decision to authorize a casino on April 18, and in this respect a spokesman for the Ministry of Trade and Industry said yesterday the government is currently reviewing the concept proposals received for the IR: “Should a decision be made to go ahead, the operators who have submitted proposals will be briefed on the next steps.” When the Government announcement is made, there will follow a new set of conditions for a Request for Proposals (RFP), and at this stage companies involved with the next round of bidding will likely be given about two months to submit new proposals for the RFP, which will probably close in July or August. (E-03.24.05)

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