It was a small protest and the tone satirical rather than serious but around 100 demonstrators took to the street in Taipei on Saturday to mock the government’s casino policy. According to the Taipei Times the anti-casino activists staged a coronation ceremony for the ‘Republic of Casino’ in a bid to highlight concerns over bringing a casino industry to the presently tranquil offshore islands.

A referendum, required by the new law, on allowing casinos is expected before the end of this year. A local referendum in Penghu county in 2003 found in favour of casino development but voter numbers were small and the anti-casino lobbyists, who are to campaign village by village, are hopeful that the majority of residents will vote against casinos.

Whilst the protesters see the advent of casinos as the demise of a way of life for island residents, many see the gaming industry as the way forward. Penghu officials have been pressing for legalised gambling for years, believing that the remote islands of Taiwan need the boost to their economy.

In 2007 the Taiwanese government approved amendments to the Outlying Islands Development Act that granted duty-free status to shops on Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu islands. Some may wish to maintain the tranquillity and undeveloped nature of the islands but the need for employment and economic stimulus is high on the agenda for others. Taking a bet on casinos may prove irresistible. (E-02.16.09)

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