Steve Wynn Casino developer's comments draw response from Singapore prime minister
SINGAPORE -- Singapore's prime minister rebuffed Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn's claims that his administration was micro-managing the city-state's casino project, saying the government was merely concerned about having a resort it could be proud of, a newspaper reported Thursday.
"If after you have built it, you have got flashing lights and dancing girls on the facade, and next door to that you have banks and the banking and the financial center, I'm not sure we will feel happy about it," the local Straits Times newspaper quoted Lee Hsien Loong as saying. "He has made some criticisms. I don't think they are entirely fair."
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The prime minister was responding to Wynn's remarks last week that the government was issuing "thunderbolts of wisdom from the top of Mount Olympus" for the bids, and there was too much direction and control.
Wynn is among 14 bidders on Singapore's two casino projects.
The government listed specific design-related criteria for the project, including the total amount of floor space the gambling arena should have and that there be no glaring neon signs.
Other companies that have expressed interest include Las Vegas casino operators Harrah's Entertainment and Las Vegas Sands and Macau casino king Stanley Ho.
