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Failed to open a connection to the MySql database.Sands bets $3.6bn on casino plan
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Singapore hopes the casino will boost tourism
Las Vegas Sands Corp has said it will invest $3.6bn if it wins the contract for Singapore's first casino.
The cash would make the waterfront entertainment resort "possibly one of the most expensive...ever proposed", Sands said in a statement. Sands was one of four groups to submit bids to the government for the Marina Bay super-casino, with others including US rivals MGM Mirage and Harrah's. Tourism officials are expected to name the winning contract later this year.
Bidding battle
Sands is the only company to table a solo bid for the project. MGM has teamed up with Singapore's Capitaland while Harrah's has joined Singaporean developer Keppel Land. The fourth bid has come from Malaysia's Genting International and Star Cruises - both part of the larger Genting Group. Sands' proposals for the site- which it expects to open in 2009 - include a 2,500-room hotel, convention and exhibition space, a museum and separate facilities for "highroller's" or premium gamblers. Singapore, normally known as a conservative city-state, recently reversed an ban on casino gambling in a bid to attract Asian gamblers and boost its tourism revenues. The tender process for a second casino on Sentosa island is set to open on 28 April.
Source: BBC News 30/03/06
Council submits super casino bid
Councilor Fisher described Thursday as a "momentous day"
Blackpool's application to build the UK's only "super casino" has been submitted to the authorities.
More than 20,000 jobs and £2bn of investment would pour into the region if the resort's bid is successful, councilors have said. The document outlining its case was being posted to the Casino Advisory Panel ahead of Friday's deadline. The panel will shortlist locations before making a recommendation to the culture secretary at the end of 2006. Blackpool's case centres around a huge casino and a "conference quarter". Councilors last week voted in favour of backing the bid, which has already been supported by the North West Development Agency (NWDA).
Regeneration kick-start
Roy Fisher, Blackpool Council leader, said Thursday was a "momentous day".
"After a rollercoaster of a ride over previous months, and even years, we have finally
submitted what we firmly believe to be a winning bid. "We are aware there is a lot of
competition, but we have put forward a strong case that we have meticulously researched and
developed, and which will provide a kick start for long-term regeneration, and transforming
Blackpool into a world-class resort."
Source: BBC News 30/03/06
Committee to get Wembley casino plans
Controversial proposals to build a super-casino in Wembley are set to be submitted to a government-appointed committee on March 31.
Brent Council will submit their case to build a regional hub casino, the biggest gambling centre in the country, to the Independent Casino Advisory Panel. Under the new Gambling Act, there is provision for one super-sized "regional" casino as well as eight of medium size and eight small ones nationally, and the council are keen to stake a claim for this centrepiece.
After commissioning a study on the social and economic impact of the casino, both Labour and Conservative groups have given their backing to the idea. No developer has yet been approached about the project, although Quintain Estates, who have led the regeneration of Wembley Arena, are thought to be in pole position should the panel give their approval.
