Singapore Tips Its Hand

Singapore is doubling down on Las Vegas-style casinos, in what is likely to be a boon for a couple of lucky operators.

The government of the island city-state Monday gave the nod to two large casino resorts after months of weighing their economic benefits against social costs. The decision appears to offer even more than gamblers and gaming companies were hoping for. In a December request for resort proposals, the government suggested it was considering only a single large resort.

Singapore has selected the Marina Bayfront, close to its downtown business district, and the southern island of Sentosa as sites for the resorts, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in remarks before Parliament that the government published on the Internet. Investment in the two projects could total about S $5 billion, or about US $3 billion, he said. ...