Demapan to introduce bill to amend ‘casino law’

Demapan

Rep. Rafael Demapan (R-Saipan) is set to introduce next week a proposed legislation to amend Public Law 18-56 or the casino law.

Demapan did not disclose details, saying only that the amendments he plans to introduce are aimed at “helping the regulators.”

“There are some amendments on licensing and other concerns. We hope to help the commission,” Demapan said.

Demapan is apparently referring to the Commonwealth Casino Commission, which recently decided to grant an authorization to Best Sunshine International Limited to open a temporary casino on Garapan at the T-Galleria.

Commissioners earlier hinted that there will have to be amendments to P.L. 18-56, as the body continues to work on its final regulations.

Commission executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero earlier said another possible amendment of P.L 18-56 is on employment. Persons with criminal records are not allowed to be employed at the gaming industry, at least on Saipan.

Deleon Guerrero, however, said there might be non-gaming related jobs that the casino license holder can provide for these type of applicants.

Last Friday, commission gave the “go” signal to BSI to open its “live” gaming facility at the T-Galleria.

For now, the regulators will allow BSI to use its own “internal controls” while the commission completes its final regulations.

One of the key components of internal controls is tracking down the money generated by the casino on a regular basis.

Members of the casino commission have also agreed to work on shifts, while hiring for more staff continues.

BSI opened the doors of its casino on Sunday mid-noon, becoming the very first casino on Saipan.

According to BSI CEO Mark A. Brown, it was a “soft opening” with only six gaming tables offering baccarat, a card game favored by Chinese players.

But Brown said “it was a very good turnout for all of us” and that he had to add three more tables to be opened.

Some 30 locals are “tapped in” as dealers, Brown added.

According to Brown, some 150 local workers were deployed on the first day of the casino, handling the casino’s security, bar, and a snack lounge, among others.
The casino commission gave approval for BSI to operate for 12 hours starting Sunday until Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the casino will be open from 12pm to 2am. On Monday next week, the casino will operate for 24 hours.