Two out of the three gaming operators waiting for government approval to break ground in Cotai may get the thumbs up this year, the head of the Lands, Public Works and Transport Bureau, Jaime Carion said on Friday.

Wynn Macau Ltd., SJM Holdings Ltd. and MGM China Holdings Ltd. have all applied for land grants in Cotai and have been waiting since 2007 for the government’s approval.

Mr Carion said his bureau might be able to complete and approve two of the three applications within this year, TDM reported.

He said these are very complex processes, thus the long time needed for their assessment and approval.