A row has broken out in Taiwan over the military having access to gaming machines at recreation centres on bases around the country. A Taiwan Solidarity Union legislator described the recreation centre at one airbase as a ‘disguised gambling hub’. Not so, was the response from a senior military official who countered that not only are the gaming machines supplied and installed by manufacturers approved by the Ministry of Economic Affairs but also that they are mind-challenging entertainment machines not involving gambling.

The government of Taiwan is attempting to remove illegal gambling facilities from around the country. Five years ago the possibility of licensing a casino resort in Penghu, an island chain near mainland China, was considered by legislators. In January 2002 the bill failed to pass and the following month the Taiwanese lottery was criticised by Vice President Annette Lu as being a ‘social mudslide’ facilitating idleness, wishful thinking and superstition.

Apparently the same cannot be said of casinos, as at last year’s GTI Expo Vice President Lu was supporting the casino plan as a way of boosting the local economy and attracting tourists. She reportedly claimed that as contemporary casinos are high-tech they could be intellectually stimulating entertainment centres. A sentiment now echoed by the official in regards to the military recreation centres and their gaming machines played for fun.

The Taiwanese airbase in the spotlight rejects the claims of gambling activity and comments that two unscheduled inspections carried out each month ensures that there is no gambling on the base. Legislator Tseng of the TSU says photographs of the recreation centre show that the military was promoting ‘anything but duty and honour’ and has demanded that the Ministry of National Defense conduct a thorough inspection of its bases and step up military discipline. (E-08.18.06)

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