Two of the operators awarded gaming licenses to open resort casinos in Macau, have been talking about their plans.

In February, licenses were awarded to Las Vegas based Wynn Resorts who developed Bellagio and the Mirage hotel, and Galaxy Casino Company, a joint owner of the Venetian Hotel in Vegas.

A third license was granted to Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM), a company belonging to Stanley Ho who has held the monopoly on gambling in Macau since 1962.

The Las Vegas SUN reports that after touring Macau, Steve Wynn of Wynn resorts said 'I think it's great to do something here, that no one has ever seen before.'

He also said he wants to build at least two casinos in Macau, and is still looking for partners for his venture. He is considering two possible sites for his casinos: the central business district and the outlying island of Taipa.

Wynn said his resort will combine the essence of Las Vegas with the native Macau culture and attractions will cater to Asian tourists and gamblers. He emphasised that the resort will not copy the styles of his Las Vegas casinos. Wynn has declined to say how much he will invest at this stage, although the minimum required by the Macau government is US $500 million.

Galaxy Casino will build a 15,000 square metre 'great Casino Hall' of gaming tables and slot machines, with a complex to host trade shows and conferences plus a Venetian -style street, according to CNN. The Galaxy-Venetian venture will also feature a Grand Canal with gondolers, an art museum and an entertainment venue, with seating for 2,000 people.

Ho's SJM, has commited an investment of US $585 million to its new project.

According the the Las Vegas SUN, SJM plans to build an amusement park, a culture village and a 'supreme Private Club' for high spending gamblers.

Talking about its idea for a man-made volcano attraction, a representative from Ho's Macau Gaming Company said ' We are not responding to the new competition from Las Vegas. We planned our volcano attraction two years ago. '

Macau's government is expected to complete detailed negotiations with the three licensees by the middle of this month.