Taiwan Set To Approve Casinos

Taiwan's parliament is set to legalize gambling on offshore islands as soon as the end of 2008, news agencies have reported.

In a private meeting on Friday, Taiwanese lawmakers agreed to put the bill to a formal vote, with a majority indicating their support, a senior legislative aide said.

The passing of the bill would allow casinos to be built in the Penghu archipelago (also known as the Pescadores) situated between Taiwan and mainland China, southeast of the Taiwan Strait.

Legalization of gambling in the summer holiday hotspot has been discussed for years, but now looks like coming to fruition after the election of pro-casino advocate Ma Ying-jeou to the presidency in May.

Penghu, which has a population of 90,000, has already passed two referenda in support of gaming. Pro-casino advocates pointed out the economic incentives to counter the arguments of anti-gambling groups, led by religious groups and locals who fear an increase in crime.

The building of casinos in Penghu would make Taiwan a competitor for other regional gambling centers such as Macau. However, local officials say they have no intention of being another Macau, having made a bid for only three casino licenses.

Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China just 29 square kilometers in size, has 28 casinos in total.