Singapore's government has approved a plan to legalize casino gambling in the country.
"We want Singapore to have the x-factor - that buzz that you get in London, Paris or New York," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.
Lee has given his approval for two new casinos on Marina Bay and Sentosa resort island. The casinos, which will be operational by the year 2009, have prompted some controversy among religious groups.
Nicholas Chia, Singapore's Roman Catholic Archbishop said, "we are very worried about the cost of human, family and social well-being," though he understands the economic reasons.
The island state could potentially save up to $180 million a year in money that Singaporeans currently spend in Malaysian casinos.
