What more could you want? On offer are magnificent beaches, crystal clear blue waters, friendly lifestyle and warm, island hospitality in a tropical paradise. Now Rota, one of the chain of Northern Mariana Islands in Micronesia, has decided to ask its people if it is time to add casinos to the cocktail of cultural, historic and sporting activities available to tourists on the island. A casino has been operating in neighbouring Tinian since 1998, and more are in the pipeline. In March, the Saipan Legislature was asked to approve a bill legalizing casino gaming.

The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have seen a decline in their economies in recent years. The local administration of CNMI has previously stated that it prefers for the casino industry to be developed further on Tinian rather than expand to the other islands, but that the will of the people should prevail. On Rota a bill has been drafted to allow an unlimited number of casinos but will not be presented to the Legislature until the islanders have had the opportunity to comment on the proposal.

The public hearing has been scheduled for 1 December. Rep. Crispin M Ogo, who is proposing the bill, is convinced that the people will support casino legislation once they hear the facts. In November 2003 elections a similar initiative was voted down by Rota residents, but fewer opposed the proposal than previously. As a bill the initiative does not have to be approved by voters, only by the Senate and the House of Representatives and obtain the Governor’s consent.

The bill proposes a five-member Rota Casino Commission to regulate the industry, a 5% gaming tax on gross gaming revenue, a licence application fee of up to US$100,000 and an annual renewal fee of up to US$200,000. After one year this annual fee could increase by not more than 10% of the fee in effect. The bill does not cap the number of casino licences but would allow the Commission to set a limit if required. (E-11.17.06)

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