Gaming operators must submit their proposals for the casino by March 29, the Straits Times reported, quoting a gaming analyst who paid a S$10,000 (US$5882) fee for the government's Request for Proposals documents.

Bidders for the project were bound by clauses not to comment on the documents, outlining casino rules by the Singapore Tourism Board, which were released for tender on Tuesday.

Gaming analyst Sean Monaghan told the newspaper the winning operator would have to pay an annual casino fee of S$12.5 million to the state.

Twelve international firms have been shortlisted by the government for the first casino resort at Marina Bay which is envisaged to include convention and exhibition facilities and theme attractions.

Early this month, the government set the price of the land for the casino at $1.2 billion so that the bidders will focus on their concepts instead of trying to outbid each other for the site.

Singapore has lifted a ban on casinos despite strong domestic opposition, saying the gaming resorts, with an expected combined cost of five billion dollars, will boost the country's tourism industry and economy.

Officials have also said the casinos would help spice up Singapore's staid image, and moved to allay community concerns over problem gambling by offering counselling services and imposing entrance fees and other requirements.

The casino is expected to open its doors by 2009.

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