AUTHOR: Jerry "Jet" Whittaker TITLE: Ogo wants poker machines at Rota ports DATE: 3:09 AM ----- BODY: Legislation was proposed on Wednesday to allow poker machines at Rota ports.
Rep. Crispin M. Ogo introduced House Bill 15-234 to authorize the
Commonwealth Ports Authority to operate poker machines at the Rota airport
and seaport. The bill is seen as a revenue generating measure for CPA's
infrastructure improvement projects. Ogo's proposal would waive the annual
license fees for the commercial operation of poker machines as long as they
are CPA-owned, whether they are operated by CPA or its concessionaire. Local
license fees will also be waived. At present, the CNMI government imposes a
$6,000 fee for each poker machine operated in the Commonwealth. In addition,
each senatorial district charges local license, amounting to $6,000 on
Saipan and $4,000 on Rota and Tinian. Furthermore, Ogo's measure would
exclude CPA poker machines from the statutory cap on the number of poker
machines that may be operated on Tinian and Rota. Both islands are allowed
only to issue up to 200 poker licenses. "The Legislature finds that the
Commonwealth Ports Authority must be given the means to generate additional
revenue necessary to undertake much needed improvements at the Rota airport,
to adequately maintain and operate the facilities, and provide a boost to
Rota's economic development," the bill states. It adds, "The Legislature
further finds that the operation of amusement machines at Rota's entry
ports, similar to those found in the airports of Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada,
present a key revenue generating source. To implement such a plan, statutory
restrictions on the operation of amusement machines must be amended to
authorize CPA accordingly." --------