The Prime Minister of Samoa says he is not worried about the effect which casinos may have on local residents.
The government passed legislation in 2010 which will allow two casinos to be built and a decision on who will be allowed to open the facilities is expected this year.
Some NGOs have opposed the plan, saying it will be impossible to stop locals gambling.
The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says only foreign passport holders will be allowed to gamble.
But he admits that residents with dual citizenship cannot be barred from the casinos.
"That is ok we cannot control that. If they are playing in New Zealand you can't stop them."
Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says he is not worried about how the gambling might affect residents.
