萬國法律事務所

The amendments to the Offshore Islands Development Act were recently passed after the third reading by the Legislative Yuan and legalized gambling on the offshore islands of Taiwan. The final decision regarding whether to permit the establishment of casinos remains with the local residents, to be approved by majority vote in referendums organized by the local governments on the islands.

The main objective of the revision of the Offshore Islands Development Act is to promote tourism on Taiwan’s offshore islands. The government development plans will be inspired by the respective charm and character of each offshore island. In addition, order to improve the diversity and entertainment value of tourism on these offshore islands, the government wishes to attract investments from international operators to Taiwan through large-scale integrated tourist resorts and vacation spots, creating international tourist hotels, tourist facilities, international convention centers, shopping malls, other tourism-related services and facilities and, subject to approval by the local residents, small casinos within the resort areas.

The Council for Economic Planning and Development emphasizes that the government has exercised extreme caution in its review of the gambling provisions and has completed an evaluation report on the gambling industry at the end of 2008. The government seeks, through permitting the establishment of casinos conditionally under rigorous gambling regulations and gaming management controls, to put economic development of the offshore islands on the fast track forward.