“Although I am a newcomer to this endeavor, I am confident that I can run it efficiently and honestly,” she said in an interview yesterday. “I am excited to be a part of the gaming industry, and I am well-prepared for the challenges ahead of me.”
Calvo, who is also the winning bidder for the bingo license, said she was “just trying my luck” when she submitted her proposal to the mayor’s office.
Calvo at the same time noted the “alarming increase” in the number of illegal village cockfight operations.
Based on the information she gathered, there are illegal cockfight operations in Koblerville, San Antonio, Kanat Tabla, Kagman, Capital Hill, Tanapag and San Roque.
“These illegal cockfighting activities must stop immediately. It robs legitimate businesses of the fair profit that they have to legally pay a price for. Furthermore, because of the new zoning regulations in place, these illegal cockfighting establishments must be shut down,” she said.
Calvo is now working with law enforcement officials to go after these illegal operations.
Calvo said she begin managing the Gualo Rai cockpit starting on July 4.
She welcomes all cockers and fans of the game to the new Marianas Cockfight Arena.
On opening day, admission is free from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, July 5, the two-cock derby weigh-ins start at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. with an entry fee of $100 and a minimum bet of $75.
The cockfight is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but for this month, it will also open every Wednesday.
Calvo said she will launch the Marianas Mega-Bingo on July 4, Liberation Day, at the carnival grounds in Garapan.
Like the cockfight derby, the bingo event will offer patrons door prizes and good times, she said.
The main event will be the bingo package special with a $5,000 jackpot and a sizeable consolation prize.
“I invite all the people of the Marianas to try their luck this weekend,” Calvo said. “I’m grateful I tried mine, and you should too. You never know what you might win unless you try. Good luck to everyone, and see you there!”
