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House backs lower pachinko license fee
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Posted on Apr 14 2009
After almost an hour of debate, the House of Representatives yesterday adopted a committee report on a bill that would reduce the license fees for pachinko slot machines.
The House Ways and Means Committee recommended the passage of House Bill 16-225, lowering the annual license fee from $6,000 to $2,000.
“Lowering the annual fee to $2,000 is reasonable to encourage more widespread offering of pachinko slot machines at amusement machine establishments. More machines offered will entice more players, translating to more license fee revenue and jackpot winning taxes for the general fund,” the bill stated.
Big Boyz II Marine has written to the Legislature saying the group is ready to pay $300,000 in annual license fees if the bill becomes law.
“We surely could use this $300,000 direct revenue into our government coffers for needed medical referrals, students assistance and other essential public service programs,” the company wrote in the letter.
During yesterday’s session, some members compared pachinko slot machines to poker machines and raised concerns about gambling addiction.
Rep. Raymond Palacios, however, disagreed.
“Why are we blaming the machines?” he asked, adding that it’s like cockfighting.
He said it’s the person who becomes addicted.
“Education is the solution here. It’s not the machines’ fault,” he said.
Some members said more pachinko machines could mean more tourists to the CNMI, generating even more revenue.
