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Lottery Commission organized, readying requests for proposals
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Posted on Nov 26 2013
The initial meeting of the re-established Lottery Commission was held last Nov. 10 at the Office of the Governor’s Conference Room.
Members of the commission are Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Deleon Guerrero, Secretary of Finance Larrisa Larson, Attorney General Joey P. San Nicolas, and Secretary of Commerce Sixto Igisomar.
These key members of the Executive Branch were selected in order to ensure proper oversight of gaming activities and law enforcement review of gaming activities. During the initial meeting, Igisomar was elected as chairman and a presentation was made on the initial draft of the proposed gaming regulations, structure of the new gaming operations, and schedule for implementation.
The proposed gaming structure follows what is used in many states in the United States mainland where the government plays an active role in the gaming structure. Under this system, the government places strict controls on the location of gaming, the odds, and types of games.
Unlike the current poker industry, this form of gaming is restricted to large hotels and golf courses and specifically directed towards participation by tourists. Additionally, all proposed gaming areas will require an integration with hotel food and beverage services and specifically designed gaming areas to present an enhanced entertainment activity. An additional critical element of this new gaming structure is the significant government oversight as all gaming activity will be monitored by a centralized computer system with the requirements of favorable odds that provide a return on wagers of 85 percent to 90 percent.
Gov. Eloy S. Inos has instructed the commission that he wishes to move forward in an expeditious manner in the implementation of this program. In consideration of the governor’s directive, the commission seeks to have the initial requests for proposals out during the month of November or early December. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
