CNMI governor signs poker expansion bill
The governor of the Northern Mariana Islands signed into law the expansion of poker parlors in certain zones.
US.- Ralph Torres. Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, has signed into law a measure that expands the operation of poker parlors in some designated zones of the territory. Saipan Local Law 20-21 amends the previous law to allow more parlors.
The new bill that was introduced by Reps. John Paul Sablan, Frank Aguon, Joseph Leepan Guerrero, Alice Igitol, Greg Sablan Jr. and Vice Speaker Janet Maratita, allows adult gaming machines to be operated within certain areas zoned mixed commercial. Furthermore, the new law’s key provision added Orchid Street to the list of areas where poker parlors are now allowed to operate.
“An adult gambling machine businesses shall only be located: (1) Within the Tourist Resort and Mixed Commercial districts on lots abutting or west of Beach Road and Chalan Tomas Sablan from Afetna Road to Chalan Msgr. Guerrero and on lots abutting or west of Chalan Pale Arnold from Chalan Msgr. Guerrero to Orchid Street, as well as in the Garapan Core, Garapan East, and Beach Road zoning districts, if the business is located no less than 200 feet away from a church, Laundromat, public or private school, park, playground or other adult gambling machine businesses or in (2) a hotel with more than 20 rooms if it is located within the Garapan Core, Garapan East, Beach Road, Tourist Resort or Mixed Commercial zoning districts,” reads the law.
