Singapore Resort May Follow Vegas Concept

SINGAPORE: A controversial Singapore proposal for a casino resort may include a Las Vegas-style entertainment complex, complete with water-theme park, theatres and art galleries, the government said yesterday.

"Casino operators are lining up to invest ahead of a decision expected around January. Critics, including Christian and Muslim leaders, say the proposal for a resort-style casino would fuel crime and inflict social ills in one of Asia's safest societies.

"The casino itself will account for only 30-40% of revenue for the whole entertainment complex, Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang told residents at a community event on Sunday.

"…Lim said Singapore was also investigating how countries such as the United States prevent people from gambling beyond their means.

"…Singapore is collecting public feedback on whether to build a casino to tap the growing affluence of Asian travellers and plug revenues lost to illegal gambling dens and to countries where casinos are legal, such as Cambodia and the Philippines…"

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