Taiwan Could be Next to get Casinos

12 March 2008

Both candidates in Taiwan's presidential election say they favor legalizing casinos as a way to raise revenue.

The legislature failed to pass enabling legislation last year, but discussion of legalizing casinos was revived by a televised presidential debate last month. Both candidates are receptive to the notion, but neither has offered specific plans.

Jonathan Galaviz with consultant Globalsys told the Las Vegas Review Journal: If Taiwan does legalize casino gaming, it should be done in the context of large-scale multibillion-dollar integrated resort developments where casino gaming is just one component of a larger entertainment offering. Taiwan, like many other countries in Asia, sees tourism visitation enhancement as an important component of its future economic growth profile."