10 Nov 2011

Bill on legalising casino gambling back in CNMI House

12:19 pm on 10 November 2011

In the Northern Marianas, a new House bill legalising casino gambling on Saipan has been prefiled.

The move comes just days after Saipan voters were polled on their views on casinos, and a month after Governor Benigno Fitial vetoed a "local bill" on the same matter.

Less than seven percent of registered Saipan voters participated in the survey, and anti-casino voters edged pro-casino voters by just nine votes.

The Saipan Tribune reports a 29-page House Bill 17-240 is expected to be introduced in today's session.

Lawmaker, Rafael Demapan told Saipan Tribune they cannot sit back and let the economy get worse without trying to help find legitimate ways to increase revenue.

The Senate killed last year a House bill legalising casino gambling on Saipan.