Around the world, poker machines are highly popular gambling devices that are located in a wide range of venues, such as clubs, pubs, betting shops and casinos. While this is a positive thing for gaming operators, responsible gambling advocates are concerned about the proximity of these games to high-traffic areas and community venues.
To deal with these concerns, politicians in Saipan have decided to introduce relocation laws for poker machine operators. On Friday, Governor Eloy S. Inos signed a new zoning law that prohibits new poker machine clubs from opening up with 200 feet of schools, parks, churches playgrounds and Laundromats. Existing clubs will have four years to relocate in order to comply with these rules.
Existing clubs will have to relocate to approved areas, including adult business parks, resorts and Central Garapan. They will have until October 25th, 2017 to move, but there is the chance for some venues to be granted an extension in extenuating circumstances. “This proposal to move poker machines away from schools has been pushed for so many years and I’m glad it has finally become law,” says Representative Ray Tebuteb.
“I thank my colleagues and the governor for making sure it is done”. Underage gambling is a major concern for responsible gambling advocates in Saipan and around the world. With more and more pokies being introduced into the market, there are concerns that more young people may be tempted to gamble. As such, it is important to ensure that these games are not readily available to them.
Restricting pokie clubs to be relocated further than 200 feet from areas that are frequented is a preventative measure in the fight against underage gambling.
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