By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE group pushing for the legalization of casino operations on Saipan wants to bring in more tourists and not encourage locals to gamble, according to former Speaker Pedro R. Guerrero.
He was among those who showed up at the public forum at Garapan Elementary School on Wednesday, but did not have the chance to hear those who oppose casinos on Saipan because he left just before the group discussions started.
Nobody among the residents who attended the forum favored casino gambling and poker arcades.
Guerrero, one of the leaders of Indigenous Entrepreneur Inc., told Variety that they do not wish to see local residents hooked on gambling.
He said what they want is to have more entertainment for tourists.
He cited the case of Las Vegas, Nevada, saying that people go to the city not necessarily to gamble but to see a lot of different shows there.
He said they want to work closely with all the hotels on Saipan to come up with a convention center for international gatherings.
One of the CNMI’s “founding fathers,” former Marianas District Legislature President Vicente N. Santos said he did not support previous moves to legalize casinos on Saipan.
But, he added, “right now, there are no plans coming from anybody regarding additional revenue.”
He said he now believes that casinos will bring more income to Saipan.
“We need money for health, education, infrastructure and a lot of government services – and the people should be given the chance to make a decision on this as soon as possible,” he said.
Guerrero’s group is soliciting signatures for an initiative petition to legalize casino gambling on Saipan.