PALAU (4 Sep 2003) -- Palau Sen. Lucius Malsol has introduced a measure that would allow casino gaming in Angaur state. The bill revives earlier efforts to establish a gaming industry in Palau. Senate Bill 6-233 would establish a gaming control commission to license all gaming operators in Angaur. According to the bill, the commission will oversee the gaming operations and make recommendations regarding the future of Palau's gaming industry. Last year, President Tommy Remengesau rejected a similar casino gambling bill. He said lawmakers should find other sources of revenue and new industries. Remengesau said gambling is an industry with questionable benefits to the economy and the society. Those opposed to gambling said it could result in increased criminal activities and other social problems. But according to the new bill, "there is very little evidence that an increase in crime will occur with the introduction of gaming in Palau." | | While policitians lobby for casinos and golf courses, overdevelopment damages Palau's fragile reefs. The bill states that five years after the legalization of casino gambling, an evaluation of the gaming industry in Palau would be conducted. The study would assess whether gaming is successful in Angaur and would also investigate the positive and negative social effects of gambling. SOURCE - Palau Horizon |
