Chinese businessmen eye casino on Tinian

Two hotel casino companies based in Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China have expressed interest in investing on the island-municipality of Tinian, according to Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission Chair Martin DLG San Nicolas.

Representatives of Sky Hawk Casino & Hotel from Taiwan and Pacific Casino & Hotel from mainland China will be arriving this month to discuss the possibility of establishing businesses here.

Mr. San Nicolas said he has met with some executives of Sky Hawk during a recent visit to Taipei with local Tinian officials.

With the plan of new investors to invest on the island, the Commission will continue to hire experts in the casino industry who will be able to assist them in carrying out their regulatory functions, said Esther H. Barr, executive director of TCGCC.

“We just hope that local officials will support us in having our budget approved for professional services and training program,” she said.

The Commission is planning to amend the Tinian Gaming Initiative Act to make it relevant amid the changes in the international gaming industry. “There’s just too much restrictions in the local gaming regulations which do not allow the regulatory body to catch up with the changes in the industry,” Mr. San Nicolas said.

For example, Tinian should consider allowing customers to play on credit to help entice international players to come to Tinian.
The recommendation was made by Dennis L. Amerine, president of Amerine Enterprises and former member of the State Gaming Control Board in Nevada who is currently assisting TCGCC in drafting a regulatory audit plan and audit Tinian casino to ensure compliance with the Commission’s regulations.

Members of the Commission and local officials recently visited Taipei, Hong Kong and Macau to observe casino operations and understand better the needs of the industry.

“I would like to make sure that proper policies and procedure are in place to safeguard the industry. We will work in partnership with the local officials to improve regulatory requirements in relation to the industry’s development,” said Mr. San Nicolas.

But the biggest factor in the development of the industry is making the island-municipality of Tinian accessible to the visitors through direct flights from various destinations.

Despite the difficulty in enticing airlines to provide direct service to the island amid the decline in the island’s tourism economy.
Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino has already signed an agreement with Mandarin Air to carry out two charter flights a week from Taipei to Saipan.

“The key issue here is marketing the destination. If we do not market Tinian properly, then all our efforts will just be a waste of time,” said Sen. Jose M. Dela Cruz.