Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed Senate Local Bill 17-2 on Tuesday to make this happen.
The island has no cockfight arena, but cockfights are held in backyards.
Introduced by Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu, Ind.-Rota, the bill, which is now Rota Local Law 17-8, also reduced from 15 to three the initial number of years to have an exclusive franchise for cockfighting.
But the subsequent license after three years will be limited to one year.
According to the bill, in these times of economic struggle, cockfighting is among the activities that may encourage growth.
The new law noted that the Rota gaming board does not get the proper incentive so its members can devote the time necessary to oversee cockfighting activities on the island.
The new law will provide each member of the board $50 for attending a meeting.
The design for the cockfight arena will be approved by the board and the Rota Department of Public Works in consultation with the Rota mayor’s office.
