Residents of Penghu, a remote Taiwanese island chain, once again voted against potential construction of casino resorts in the region, this time by an overwhelming majority. According to the results announced by the Penghu County election board, 81% of the votes cast opposed the idea, and only 19% favored it.
Around 100,000 people are currently residing in the region. Of those, 83,469 were eligible to formally voice their opinion on the matter. However, only 40% of the county’s population turned out to vote. Figures showed that 26,598 Penghu residents voted against the casino proposal and 6,210 supported it.
In 2009, Taiwan’s government implemented certain changes in the Offshore Islands Development Act that allowed for the establishment of casino resorts on outlying islands, if residents approved that by a referendum vote.
Shortly after the Act was amended, Penghu residents were asked to vote whether they approved the idea of their region being home to a casino establishment. Turnout was higher during the 2009 vote. Negative votes prevailed, although the margin was not as overwhelming as the one reported after this year’s referendum.
Following this week’s vote, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party said that Penghu County residents “have shown their collective will.” The party also pointed out that it would help the isolated region boost its tourism and create much-needed jobs by establishing other type of development, one that would bear Penghu own characteristics. What is more, the project will be focused on meeting “ecological, sustainable, and cultural demands.”
The ruling party has been opposing the casino idea since it first started spreading. Earlier this week, officials reiterated their unwillingness to support such a project.
State-run lottery operations are the only legal form of gambling currently provided within Taiwan’s borders. As mentioned above, the construction of casinos on outlying islands was allowed in 2009, but no such venues have been developed since then.
International gambling operators have expressed interest in opening casinos in the small island nation, but they have pointed out that they would target the capital region as it has better infrastructure than the isolated regions where casino gambling has been legalized.
The construction of casino resorts anywhere in Taiwan may worsen the country’s communication with China. Mainland officials have repeatedly hinted that if such venues open doors there, they will prohibit Chinese residents from traveling to Taiwan for gambling purposes.
The Chinese government has even pointed out that severe trade restrictions would be imposed on Taiwan if the country proceeds with casino projects. Here it is important to note that the small country’s economy is highly dependent on foreign trade, particularly on trade with China.
