Casino Gambling Comes to Taiwan

The island nation has watched enviously as Macau casinos have brought billions to mainland China, and South Korea draws heavy numbers of tourists to its gambling venues.

Taiwan's government has decided to legalize and license casinos, and the legislative approval for such action may occur within the next month. Three casinos are expected to be created.

The island nation has watched enviously as Macau casinos have brought billions to mainland China, and South Korea draws heavy numbers of tourists to its gambling venues. Casinos under construction in Singapore seem to have been the straw that forced Taiwan into action.

A resort area of the country that fills with summer tourists but empties at winter time may be the location for the casinos.By locating there, officials hope to draw visitors year-round, while minimizing the social impact on Taiwanese residents.

Su Kun-hsiung, the mayor of Makung, a city in the resort region of Penghu, said, "We don't want to exceed three licences. We're not going to be the same as Macau."

While the enormous revenue of Macau is tempting, observers worry about the rise in crime, inflation, and problems relating to infrastructure and uncontrolled growth that Macau experienced.

Legislators revealed that an informal poll showed the gambling measures were almost certain to pass when a formal vote is taken. Penghu area residents have already twice voted for casino and gambling referendums, despite opposition from religious groups.