Taiwan divided over casino referendum
Residents will vote tomorrow on whether to allow a casino to be developed. The idea of mega-resorts in Penghu is dividing the community.
China.- Taiwan has currently a divided government over legal gambling, and advocates say that it is the perfect time to move forward and legalise casinos. Despite the fact that gambling has been an illegal activity in Taiwan, offshore casinos are legal in some areas. Before 2009, gambling was illegal in the entire city.
Supporters of legalising casinos in the area say that they would bring extra jobs for young people and overhaul infrastructure. Chuang Kuang-hui, who initiated the new referendum, said that without casinos, no foreign investor will go to Penghu. Local businesswomen Felicia Chen said: “Casinos would help the economy during the low season from November to April. Where there are crowds, there is money to boost tax revenues, which can be used for social welfare for local people.”
On the other hand, opponents said that legalising casinos would only pollute the air and sea. Penghu-born Sheng I-che, chairman of the pro-environment Trees Party, said that given the regional gaming downturns, it could even be a drag on the local economy. Opponents also question if it would bring real economic benefits, considering that China’s corruption is affecting Macau’s gaming revenue. This will be the second time residents are voting, after rejecting the idea in 2009.
