The Northern Mariana Island Senate has voted to form a new gaming committee to oversee and address concerns regarding the local gaming industry.
According to The Saipan Tribune, the new committee – which officially began talks on 11 July – is composed of seven members of the Senate with its formation a direct response to the launch of Imperial Pacific Resort’s casino operations earlier this month.
“The Senate [felt] like the committee had to be set up to address anything and everything to do with the gaming industry in the CNMI,” said committee vice-chairman Jude Hofschneider.
“In this case [it is relating to] resort operator Imperial Pacific International because of the magnitude of the gaming industry here in the CNMI.”
The committee, which must number at least five members at all times, will be responsible for the consideration and the reporting of all bills, resolutions and other matters referred to it by the Senate relating to the gaming industry in the CNMI, according to The Saipan Tribune. It will also look after hotel casinos, poker machines, electronic gaming establishments, internet gaming establishments and any other gaming activities while ensuring community concerns and protections are addressed.
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