Singapore-listed BIL International Ltd, a company controlled by billionaire Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, has been given the nod to operate 16 casinos in the United Kingdom (UK) — marking its foray into the gaming business.

BIL Gaming Operations UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BIL International, has been approved by the Gambling Commission of Great Britain to be a licensed operator of casinos under the Gaming Act 1968.

BIL International is 50.5% owned by Guoco Group Ltd while Camerlin Group Bhd has a total of 22.26% direct and indirect stake in the Singapore-listed company.

In an announcement on Feb 7, Camerlin said the Gambling Commission also approved certificates of consent for 16 specific casino licence applications.

“BIL Gaming will work towards fulfilling all necessary regulatory requirements including making formal applications to relevant licensing jurisdictions for each of these 16 casino locations,” it said.

BIL had in its 2005 annual report mentioned its intention to operate casinos in a number of its Thistle hotels and selected locations.

According to the annual report, the company owns, leases or manages 49 hotels with 10,800 rooms under the Thistle Hotel and also the 1,019-room Cumberland Hotel under the Guoman brand. It also has the Molokai Properties in Hawaii and Bass Strait Oil and Gas Royalty.

BIL hired Paul Collis, former managing director of Stanley Leisure PLC, last March to investigate and commence casino operations in the UK. Stanley Leisure operates 42 casinos across the UK.

On Feb 7, Camerlin’s share price jumped 10.66% or 16 sen to RM1.66 with 339,000 shares done while BIL International shares rose nine cents to S$1.56 (RM3.58) on a volume of 2.27 million shares.

Besides Singapore, BIL International also has secondary listings on the London Stock Exchange and New Zealand Stock Exchange.