The commission is “making hard” for investors to do business on Rota, according to former Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona.
“What we need is a simple casino that will start as a small establishment and gradually become a big one,” he said.
Former Senate President Julian S. Calvo agrees.
“A small casino is the first step. We don’t like to see an elephant casino but no patrons,” he added.
Rota Municipal Council chairman Roy Masga said the commission should consider amending its regulations.
“We can’t fast-track a casino,” Masga said, referring on the commission’s preference for a “large” casino.
The commission requires a minimum investment of $25 million.
Rota Sen. Paterno S. Hocog said this amount “is too high.”
However, he added, the commission can lower its fees.
Steve King Mesngon, who ran for Rota mayor and lost, is certain that more investors will come once the commission reduces the fees.
“The casino industry can support the growth of the economy of our island,” he said.
On-leave commissioner Melchor A. Mendiola, the island’s newly elected mayor, said if they will amend the required investment amount, it will have to be submitted again to the community.
Mendiola said they set the $25 million amount because “we want to see that investors are serious about their investment.”
But a small-scale casino is more appropriate, Manglona said, since Rota will have to cater first to clients from nearby Guam while it still establishes connections in Japan, South Korea and China.
Manglona said Rota residents believe the casino will certainly boost the local economy.
Calvo, for his part, said they also need more charter flights to bring in casino customers.
He believes that a Rota casino will attract tourists.
