Though in the past Singapore gambling has not been a popular attraction, the country catches up to northern gambling destinations as it launches two new Singapore casinos in 2009.

The government in Singapore handpicked the Las Vegas Sands to construct and oversee one of two casino resorts in the country. The Las Vegas Sands won the bid over Las Vegas's MGM Mirage and Harrah's as well as Genting, a casino operator from Malaysia invested in casinos in the Genting Highlands and in and outside the country.

Singaporeans use the euphemism integrated resort to describe resorts that are casino-based developments in the country. So far, both the World Resort at Sentosa and the Sands Casino Singapore have each been awarded a license to operate a legal gambling facility in the country. Up until now, the only legal forms of gambling have been par-mutual facilities and horse racing. Situated in the southern area of Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands is set on the eastern stretch of downtown Singapore right on Marina Bay and is slated for completion by 2009. Almost four million dollars tops the investment into the Sands Casino Singapore, in addition to the cost of the six-million-square-foot property the resort casino stands on.

Singapore Map

The Marina Bay area is already a prestigious city area that enjoys bustling activity. Brimming with myriad unique eateries, Marina Bay offers convenient transportation through the MRT Station, making it ideal for one of the two new casinos in Singapore. Not only is the total investment the largest of the two Singapore casinos, it is also the largest casino resort investment in the world. The waterfront property that the Sands Casino Singapore is built on totals more than fifty acres and encompasses a new and edgy central business district. The thirty-year deal allows the Las Vegas Sands to lead the project for three decades straight.

Resorts World at Sentosa is the location of the other casino in Singapore. This one of the two Singapore casinos is inside Maxim's Residences, an ultra-chic hotel that is an important part of the massive resort complex on Sentosa Island. The casino will be directly underneath Maxim's Residences, which will provide immediate access to the all-suite hotel and its luxurious amenities. Singapore gambling will no doubt be a hit at Maxim's, where fine dining, incredible views, and much more will all be offered. Since Singapore casinos are a new way to attract tourists they're sure to get a lot of special attention.

Resorts World at Sentosa is an ambitious and exciting plan funded by Genting International. The exclusive resort area comprises Universal Studios, thrilling Equarius Water Park, Marine Life Park, FestiveWalk, Maritime Xperiential Museum, and Le Vie, the resort's signature stage show. A total investment of more than three billion dollars is plugged into the massive plan and is estimated to be complete in 2010. This area completes another one of Singapore casinos and offers those visiting Singapore gambling opportunities not found in the country's history prior to these aspiring plans.

As Singapore grows in the tourism sector, the government understands the need for more tourist amenities on par with other popular vacation destinations. This is one of the reasons why the Singapore casinos have been given the green light. The sheer rise in economic status has allowed the country to make some terrific investments in the tourist sector and allows visitors a unique look into the country and culture. With two new casinos in Singapore opening in the next few years, and glamorous resorts also planned for simultaneous openings, Singapore is sure to become even more of a bright, shining star in Central Asia's appeal.