Fitial supports phase out of poker machines

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial supports the Governor’s Strategic Economic Development Council resolution that seeks the elimination of all poker machines, except those at licensed casinos, in the CNMI by June 30, 2009.

Press secretary Charles Reyes Jr. said Fitial just told him yesterday morning that he is willing to support the poker phase out as requested by SEDC.

“He is supporting the SEDC resolution to ban poker in the CNMI except at licensed casinos,” said Reyes in an interview.

He said the governor agreed with the reasons cited by SEDC in passing the resolution.

SEDC co-chairs Robert Jones and Marian Aldan-Pierce and assistant co-chairperson Teresa K. Kim urged Fitial and legislators in the resolution to work collaboratively to enact laws for the orderly phase out of poker machines, except inside licensed casinos, in the Commonwealth.

SEDC cited as reason for the phase out the increasing poker addiction in the CNMI that not only affects the gambler but also his or her family members and other residents, often in the form of crimes and loss of jobs.

When asked how the elimination of poker machines would affect the government’s revenue stream, Reyes said it is the Legislature’s job to deliberate on that issue “because the Legislature would have to make the decision, not just the governor.”

Reyes said the SEDC’s resolution is just a call for action and does not have the binding force of law.

“SEDC transmitted it to the Legislature. The governor supports it. It is up to the Legislature to act on it. The Legislature will be the only body to produce a bill along those lines. And then once they have it approved, the governor can sign it into law if it gets into his desk,” Reyes explained.

There are reportedly 791 poker machines in the CNMI; 680 on Saipan, 52 on Tinian and 59 on Rota.

SEDC said the health and safety of Commonwealth residents are more important than the loss of revenue from poker license fees and taxes.

SEDC said poker arcades have been repeatedly targeted for armed robberies.

“Criminal activity and loss of jobs resulting from poker further deteriorates the family unit in this declining economic climate through domestic violence incidents, including but not limited to child abuse, spousal abuse, and child neglect,” the Council co-chairs stated in the resolution.