SINGAPORE'S authorities issued a casino licence to neighbouring Malaysia's Genting group on Saturday, allowing the company to add gaming to its ambitious development plans in the city-state.

Resorts World Sentosa, built by Genting on a former British military outpost at a cost of US$4.4 billion (S$6.25 billion), opened four premium hotels last month in expectation of the licence.

Singapore's casino regulator said the licence was issued on Saturday.

'The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore has issued a casino licence to Resorts World... on Feb 6 2010,' the regulator said on its website.

In addition to the casino, hotels and convention facilities, Genting will open a Universal Studios theme park by March at the complex on Sentosa island, which is already packed with leisure attractions.

A marine life park, maritime museum, spa and two more hotels are scheduled to launch after 2010. -- AFP

Date Posted: 07-Feb-2010