Singapore's authorities issued a casino licence to Malaysia's Genting group on today, allowing the company to add gaming to its ambitious development plans in the city-state.

Resorts World Sentosa, built by Genting on a former British military outpost at a cost of US$4.4 billion, opened four premium hotels last month in expectation of the licence.

Singapore's casino regulator said the licence was issued today.

"The Casino Regulatory Authority of Singapore has issued a casino licence to Resorts World... on Feb 6, 2010," the regulator said on its website.

Universal Studios theme park

In addition to the casino, hotels and convention facilities, Genting will open a Universal Studios theme park by March at the complex on Sentosa island, which is already packed with leisure attractions.

A marine life park, maritime museum, spa and two more hotels are scheduled to launch after 2010.

Singapore gave the go-ahead for casino gambling in 2005, setting off a flurry of construction that went ahead despite last year's recession.

The government hopes the casinos will boost the country's tourism appeal.

The small island-republic relies mainly on man-made attractions to entice tourists.

Marina Bay Sands, another such casino resort, is scheduled to open in April following construction delays. It is being built by US-based Las Vegas Sands.