September 8

In Hong Kong, Las Vegas Sands Inc., who recently opened a casino in Macau, stated today that it has proposed a resort development on a nearby Chinese island, but without any casinos because they are illegal in the mainland.

Las Vegas Sands, owner of The Venetian, is interested in developing parts of Hengqin Island, which is mainland Chinese territory connected by a bridge to Macau's Taipa Island, company president William Weidner said.

Weidner stated his company has given a proposal to the government in Zhuhai, the mainland city just across from Macau that is in charge of Hengqin Island.

At this time, Weidner will not confirm whether or not his company wants to construct one resort or more.

Media have reported here that Las Vegas Sands wants to develop three resorts, including hotels and a convention center, on the mainland island.

The reports state that the company told Zhuhai officials that it is interested in expanding its operations onto the mainland island because Macau is small and allows little extra land availability.

Las Vegas Sands, run by Sheldon Adelson, recently ended a four-decade monopoly on Macau's lucrative gambling industry by opening the first Las-Vegas style casino in the enclave in May.