Movement is expected this year to allow Taiwan to open its first casino in 2019.
This would enable Taiwan to start vying with Singapore, the Philippines and even Macau for Asia business worth something like an annual $50bn. The world’s big-name casino operators are already interested as Taiwan sits just across a narrow strait from China, Asia’s top source of gamblers.
As early as this month, parliament could cut off fractious inter-party debate and give final approval to the Casino Management Act. Approval would allow offshore islands under Taipei’s authority to accept bids for resort-casino projects as outlined in the act.
The rugged, distant archipelago of Matsu would qualify right away because in 2012 its people voted in favour of operating casinos, which would boost infrastructure and add jobs.
