Former politicians from Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, have called for the legalisation of casino gaming to tackle local unemployment and to boost the struggling economy.
Gaming is legal on the neighbouring islands of Tinian and Rota, although only one casino has so far been opened.
According to the Associated Press, former representatives Pete Deleon Guerrero and Manasses Borja believe that a casino would help the tackle a number of the island’s problems.
Speaking during a hearing held by the House Committee on Tourism and Commerce, Borja said such a property would "bring back prosperity" to the island.
"We need an avenue out of these bad economic times. We need relief. We need casino gambling," he remarked.
However, despite calls for the legalisation of gaming, the island’s residents have twice voted against the introduction of new gambling laws.
