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CEPD to assess gambling push

By Crystal Hsu
STAFF REPORTER, WITH CNA
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, Page 12

The Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) said yesterday it may release a report in December on whether the nation should permit the development of the gambling industry to boost its tourism and the economy.

CEPD Chairman Chen Tian-jy (陳添枝) said if the conclusion is positive, the government would first consider the development on islands such as Penghu and Kinmen or Matsu. Chen, who just returned from the APEC ministerial meeting in Australia last week, said he visited casinos in Melbourne and observed that running the gambling industry was difficult, complicated and needs a comprehensive set of regulations.

Chen said that Australia has regulations on gambling products, betting strategies and casino staffers, who must pass background checks.

To encourage responsible gambling, all ATMs are placed at least 100m away from gambling machines so gamblers have time to reconsider before continuing, Chen said.

Chen said the council would speed up the assessment as local governments around the nation push for the opening. President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has pledged to give it serious thought.

Chen said the council would focus the assessment on the potential impact of the gambling industry on society, the competitiveness of such an industry in Taiwan and the rules needed to regulate and manage the industry.

The council has to figure out who would oversee the industry and how, Chen said, adding that the report may be disclosed in December. Chen said a recent government survey showed a majority of the public find casinos acceptable if the gambling facilities are confined to the outlying islets of Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu.

If the council gives its approval, local governments intent on developing the industry could then file construction applications.

The local administrators should make sure such development projects have the backing of local residents and will bring economic prosperity, Chen said.

Chen said that the island county of Penghu has long demanded the legalization of the gambling industry. The northern counties of Miaoli and Taipei are also actively seeking permission to operate gambling establishments, Chen said.

Chen said the report would also cover regulations governing the gambling industry, such as licensing issues, casino operation management and methods of income allocation.

He added that if the assessment concludes that the plan is viable, and after all the relevant regulations have been formulated, all local governments would be allowed to file applications to start such businesses. However, priority would be given to offshore islands.
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