According to former Singapore Premier, Lee Kuan Yew, the country is still evaluating the possibility of having more than two casinos in the future. “Let's wait and see,” he told the press during a visit to Las Vegas. “Every move like this is a bet on the future. We decided to make the bet. We didn't expect the operators to make such bets on us.”

Last year, Singapore decided to legalize casinos and grant licenses for the construction of two integrated resorts. The first license was awarded to Las Vegas Sands that will build a complex on Marina Bay, which is expected to open in 2009.

Three groups took part in the bidding for the second project on Sentosa Island, which closed this month. The winner of the license will be announced by the end of this year and will receive 10 years of exclusivity.

Lee visited The Venetian and New York New York casino resorts in Las Vegas and met their top managers. He also held talks with Sheldon Adelson, owner of Las Vegas Sands Corp.