There appears to be significant public backing for plans for casinos on Saipan in the Northern Marianas.
The House Committee on Commerce and Tourism organised public hearings last week, and local reports say there was no opposition to plans to legalise casinos on the island.
Those at the meeting say casinos could help jump-start the local economy following the demise of the garment industry and a drop in tourist arrivals.
Ramon Camacho, the chairman of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, says while the people of Saipan had twice voted down plans for casinos, that happened when Saipan was not facing serious economic problems.
