Because the CNMI’s most viable industry is tourism, Demapan’s bill stated that “it is our hope that Tinian and Rota will also benefit from tourists initially visiting casinos on Saipan as part of package trips.”
H.B. 17-240 stated that with gaming being one of the more popular tourist activities for adults, with accompanying activities for everybody like those in Las Vegas, “it stands to reason that a tourism boost would take place if tourists visit major casinos on Saipan and made side trips to Tinian and Rota as well.”
“Consequently, the entire commonwealth should benefit from well-regulated casino gambling in these challenging economic times. Reduced paydays and other adversities should hopefully be overcome in the not too distant future,” it added.
Rota’s Independent Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu and Rep. Teresita A. Santos said they wanted to reserve their comments until they see the bill.
Tinian’s Republican Sen. Frank Q. Cruz said he does not want to make a comment on any gambling measure whether he sees a copy of it or not.
Rep. Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan, said he doubts the Senate will “buy” the bill.
The upper house is dominated by members of Rota and Tinian, both of which host struggling casinos.
Yumul said he already made a commitment that he would support a Saipan casino if the survey result favored it.
Despite the very low turnout, the Nov. 4 non-binding survey conducted by Northern Marianas College students indicated that the “no” vote won by nine ballots, he added.
“So it’s still a no,” he said.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said he hopes the Senate will consider the casino bill this time.
The measure will benefit everybody, he added.
“I hope they will consider it this time. Otherwise, they, the Senate, should come up with a better idea on how to save the CNMI from economic crisis.”
H.B. 17-240, according to Demapan, is a combination of Torres’ House Local Bill 17-44 which Gov. Benigno R. Fitial vetoed two months ago and Rep. Froilan C. Tenorio’s House Bill 17-55 that the Senate killed last year.
