Singapore to open casino at Sentosa island

New Delhi: Come 2010, a grand casino will be thrown open at Singapore`s Sentosa island to attract tourists, especially from India, in large numbers.Slated to be a family destination, the casino will be part of `Resorts World Sentosa` project which includes Universal Studios theme park and marine life park.

"Singapore has been the top outbound destinations for Indians for many years and with these theme parks and casino we hope to draw many more Indian travellers and give them a new reason to come again," Resorts World Sentosa Vice President (communication) Krist Boo told reporters here on Monday. Developed by Asia`s leading gaming operator, the Genting Group, at an estimated cost of USD 4.4 billion, the integrated island on Sentosa is expected to offer round the clock entertainment. The casino is coming up at about 15,000 sq metre area at the resort with more than 10 types of games, Boo said. Besides there will be Universal Studios theme parks with 24 rides of which 18 are specially being redesigned for Singapore. "There will be a castle from the world of Shrek, live shows and celebrity look-a-likes Marlilyn Monoroe and Betty Boop among other attractions, she said. Resorts World Sentosa expects to receive 13 million visitors in its first year of operations in 2010 with mainly tourists from India. According to data, about 780,000 Indians visited Singapore in 2008. Bureau Report