By: L.N. Reklai
Palau House Speaker Proposes “Controlled Gaming” Bill in Final Weeks of 11th Government
KOROR, Palau — With just a month remaining in the 11th Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), House Speaker Sabino Anastacio and Delegate Lee Otobed have introduced a bill to legalize “controlled gaming” in Palau. The proposed legislation, titled the “Palau Tourism Enhancement Act of 2024,” aims to establish integrated resorts and family-oriented theme parks as part of the country’s tourism offerings.
The bill is unlikely to complete the required three readings in both the House of Delegates and the Senate before the current government term ends. However, proponents are pushing the proposal as a potential avenue to diversify Palau’s tourism sector and attract high-end investment while generating new revenue streams.
“The Eleventh Olbiil Era Kelulau is aware that gambling is a controversial issue among Palauan citizens and has incorporated provisions herein to protect the people of Palau from the dangers of compulsive and addictive gambling,” the bill’s findings state. While acknowledging the potential risks of gambling addiction, the bill argues that a limited number of casinos could bring a “huge influx of revenue” to the nation.
Under the proposed law, a Gaming Commission would be established to regulate the industry, ensuring safeguards are in place to mitigate social harm. While the bill uses terms like “controlled gaming” and “integrated resorts,” it effectively seeks to legalize gambling.
Palau has seen multiple attempts to legalize casinos and gambling over the years, though most have failed to gain traction. The sole exception has been the issuance of online digital gaming licenses.
Whether the bill will see further discussion or be carried over into the next OEK remains uncertain.