The campaign to stop the government legalizing casinos in Samoa has failed and construction of the first casino is expected to begin by June 2011.
The Samoa Observer reports Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi saying:
“The Casino and Gambling Act is passed so the only thing left is to implement it.”
“All the necessary safeguards are in the legislation, unless of course it’s those people who shoot from the hip. They are the ones who do things in the dark and do not want to understand the Act.”
“We’ve had more companies expressing interest to set up casinos so the committee is researching into this and there will be another call for Expressions of Interest later.”
“This is a private sector initiative and companies with hotels can team up with relevant stakeholders or form consortiums to bid for the licenses available.”
Source
Pacific Conference of Churches
Photo
pacificeyewitness.com