Each of the multibillion-dollar projects must still open as an 'integrated resort' rather than a 'standalone casino,' he said in Parliament, when replying to queries from Nominated MP Eunice Olsen and Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim on whether there will be any delays in the opening of the two integrated resorts and if there were changes made to the terms and conditions since.

He said that both the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa have applied to open in stages and their proposals are being reviewed now.

'It would be fair to say that due to the global financial crisis and the slowdown already evident in our tourism sector, there may be some impact on the integrated resorts' business when they open," he said.

'Even as we do so, our expectations remain that each development will open as an IR and not just as a stand-alone casino.'

The Singapore Tourism Board, he said, will work closely with both operators to facilitate the completion of the IRs.

Singapore stands by its estimate that the two resorts will add as many as 40,000 jobs by 2015, said Mr Iswaran. Both operators have informed the government that they have secured financing for their respective developments in the city- state, he added.

The minister said there is no concession on the part of the Government in allowing the Marina Bay Sands resort to increase its number of gaming tables from 600 to 1,000 as there had never been a restriction on the number of gaming tables but on the size of the gaming area.

He stressed that the gaming area of the Marina Bay project remains well within the limit stipulated.