Malaysia is considering the addition of a casino to the Forest City mega-development in an effort to rejuvenate the struggling property, which has faced challenges in attracting residents and visitors. Forest City, initially envisioned as a luxury housing project with amenities like hotels and a waterpark, has fallen short of its ambitious goals since construction began in 2006.
With only a few thousand residents currently living in Forest City, the addition of a casino could potentially draw more tourists, particularly from neighboring Singapore. Singapore residents pay a daily tax to gamble at local casinos, making Forest City an attractive alternative destination for gaming entertainment.
Discussions about adding a casino to Forest City involve high-profile investors, including representatives from Malaysian property development firms and resort companies, as well as the country's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. However, it's worth noting that Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, prohibits gambling for those following Islamic principles, so any decision to proceed with a casino would need to consider religious sensitivities.
The potential addition of a casino to Forest City reflects broader trends in other cities and countries where the gaming industry is seen as a means to boost tourism and economic growth. For example, the United Arab Emirates has recently launched a federal-level gaming authority and plans to develop a gaming destination similar to the Las Vegas Strip. Similarly, New York City has authorized the issuance of casino licenses to stimulate economic activity in the region.
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