It has been six days since Singapore's first casino at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) opened, and the gaming tables there are packing punters in.

But a growing number of gamblers are getting increasingly frustrated because once in, they have had trouble placing bets.

The reason: A significant portion of the casino has remained closed, resulting in long lines forming at tables and slot machines.

The carping has taken off online, with complaints being posted on Internet forums like HardwareZone and RWS' page on the social networking site Facebook.

Most of those who have complained are Singaporeans and permanent residents who are fed up that they paid $100 to enter, but have had to wait to play.

When The Straits Times visited the casino on Thursday (February 18) evening, about 150 out of 530 gaming tables remained closed.

Some appeared to be undergoing servicing. Earlier in the day, workmen were seen tinkering with security cameras above the tables in the closed section.

About 250 slot machines out of 1,300 were also not available, with 'Out of Service' or 'In Audit' signs on their screens.

The crowd, an even mix of Singaporeans and foreigners, was at least three-people deep at some tables as gamblers jostled for space, many clutching chips and impatient to place a wager.

The lines for some slot machines were just as long.

Late last night, queues also formed outside the casino, and several people who were interviewed as they left said they faced waits of up to two hours for a turn at the slot machines.

RWS, which said last week that the entire casino would be opened on Feb 14, has declined to say why this has not happened yet.

When the gaming hall opened on Sunday (Fbruary 14), about half of the main floor was cordoned off. An RWS spokesman told reporters at the time that this was done to 'create a buzz'.

Since then, it has opened up a new slots zone and more pits with gaming tables.

When queried Thursday on why it has not opened all its tables and gaming machines, RWS spokesman Krist Boo said: "Since opening on Sunday, we have reacted very quickly to the unanticipated surge in demand and opened up new slot machines and pits to cater to customers.

"We will continue to expand services."

It is not known how many people the casino can accommodate.

But a check with the Singapore Civil Defence Force found that the main gaming floor, excluding the food and beverage areas, can take up to 14,643 people.

However, The Straits Times understands the casino will allow far fewer people at any one time, for ease of movement and other reasons.

Several gamblers interviewed said they were frustrated at not being able to see if Lady Luck was on their side.

Among them was Singaporean marketing executive Celia Her, 35.

She entered the casino on Wednesday night but did not have a chance to play because the card tables were packed.

Undaunted, she returned around noon yesterday. Still no luck.

"I went back thinking I would have a better chance, but it was just as crowded. I only got to play the slots."

Even high-rollers had to wait.

Roger Yeo, who holds a Genting membership card which grants entry to VIP gaming rooms, had problems entering the resort proper on Wednesday night.

When he drove in, he was told that all 3,500 parking spaces in the carpark were occupied, so he had to park elsewhere.

After finally making his way into the casino, he spent an hour waiting for his turn at a card table in a high-roller room.

"How can you open a casino with so many of the tables closed?" he asked.

"We pay $100 to play, and it would be nice to sit down and enjoy our game instead of having to stand up and wait," said the 55-year-old Singaporean businessman.

Not all gamblers were peeved at the situation, however.

Retiree David Tan, 54, said that while the casino was crowded, it was important to keep an eye on the prize.

"It's okay, as long as I can win money."