The Singapore Tourism Board said in a statement it had set the date after receiving feedback from companies for the casino on the small resort island of Sentosa, which is linked by a bridge to Singapore's main island.

Malaysia's Genting International, part of Genting Bhd, is widely seen as the hot favourite for the casino on Sentosa.

Other likely bidders for the city-state's second gaming development include Bahamas-based resort and hotel operator Kerzner International Ltd, which has teamed up with Singapore government-linked developer CapitaLand.

South Africa's Sun International Ltd. has also expressed interest in the project, while privately held Las Vegas developer Eighth Wonder is working with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc on a proposal with a cost of around $1.8 billion.

The wealthy city-state lifted a long-standing ban on casino gambling last year to boost tourism and its services sector.

Leading US casino operators Las Vegas Sands Corp, Harrah's Entertainment Inc and MGM Mirage are among the four groups that are expected to submit detailed proposals for the first development in Singapore's downtown Marina Bay by March 29.

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