Senator Jude Hofschneider from the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth has proposed an amendment to Senate Bill 20-94 to allow casino gambling at Saipan, Tinian and Rota airports. The amendment to 4CMC Section 2122 of the bill would authorize the Commonwealth Ports Authority to enter into an agreement with a licensed operator for airport casino operations.
Hofschneider also introduced Senate Bill 20-96, which would add two commissioners to the current five, allowing the mayors of Tinian and Rota to appoint two members each; Saipan would have three members.
Hofschneider said the economies of Rota and Tinian are struggling, and need a boost that could result from airport casinos. He added airport gaming would generate revenue for the Commonwealth Ports Authority and the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Commonwealth Casino Commission opposes the proposed bill and will submit comment soon. Casino Commission Executive Director Edward Deleon Guerrero said the commission body is unfunded, therefore adding more members isn’t practical.
