Las Vegas Sands and Fairmont Raffles Holdings announced Monday addition of 1,500 rooms to the Cotai Strip Casino Resort in Macao, which is developed by Las Vegas Sands. The two companies are expecting to sign a definitive agreement by the end of the third quarter of 2006.

According to the agreement between Las Vegas Sands and Fairmont Raffles Holdings, Sands will develop the casino resort in Macao, while Fairmont Hotels and Resorts together with Raffles Hotels and Resorts will operate the hotel. The project will include a 1,500 rooms resort, casino, entertainment hall and retail area. Sands will operate the gaming, entertainment and retail facilities.

The Cotai Strip project will be located on Cotai, between the islands of Taipa and Coloane in Macao. Las Vegas Sands plans to create additional casino resort projects in Macao including The Venetian Macao, a Four Seasons hotel, Starwood's Sheraton and St. Regis brands, a Shangri-La hotel, a Traders hotel and Hilton hotels.