James Packer's role in a proposed AUD 1.5 billion casino development in the Philippines now appears to be on a knife edge, following his office's denial of speculation yesterday that a deal was only weeks away from being finalised. The South China Morning Post said Mr Packer, executive chairman of Crown, was in advanced talks with a company called Bloombury to sign a deal to build a AUD 1.5 billion casino resort in the Philippines.

Hong Kong (Reuters) - Star Cruises plans to team up with the Alliance Global Group Inc to develop hotels and casinos in the Philippines, in a deal that will see the cruise and gaming operator pay USD 335 million for half of an Alliance unit. Star Cruises will buy half of Travellers International Hotel Group Inc, which has applied for a provisional gaming licence, with an eye to developing hotel and gambling resorts at Manila Bay and near the airport.