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Northern Mariana Islands House Committee looking to abolish casino commission

The Northern Mariana Islands House Committee on Gaming is drafting legislation that aims to dissolve the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) and enhance the powers of the Commonwealth Lottery Commission.

According to Marianas Variety, Committee Chair Rep. Ralph N. Yumul announced that the committee is reviewing existing laws related to both commissions.

The proposed bill would grant the lottery commission some enforcement powers currently held by the CCC, effectively rendering the latter obsolete.

Rep. Ralph N. Yumul
Rep. Ralph N. Yumul

Yumul emphasized that the legislation is part of a broader plan to expand gaming options in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Recognizing public resistance to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos, the committee is considering internet gaming as a potential alternative, envisioning the CNMI as a hub for offshore gaming.

While the bill will not explicitly authorize online gaming, it will empower the lottery commission to determine suitable gaming types within the CNMI. Yumul noted the need for a model from the US that could be adapted for local use.

Regarding the current limitations of the CCC, Yumul stated that its effectiveness is compromised due to its ties with the only casino licensee in the CNMI.

Commonwealth Casino Commissioner Chair Edward C. Deleon Guerrero and Commissioner Mario Taitano have indicated they will await the draft of the bill before commenting further.

Nelson Moura
Nelson Mourahttp://agbrief.com
Editor and reporter with 10 years of experience in Greater China, namely Taiwan and Macau, in printed and online media, with a focus on finance, gaming, politics, crime, business and social issues.

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