The Palau Senate has adopted a floor amendment providing for a referendum on a measure proposing the creation of a Casino Gaming Commission.
The amendment calls for a referendum which will allow the public to decide whether to approve a casino in Palau, and the establishment of a gaming commission to review proposals from investors.
The original House Bill calls for the establishment of a gaming commission first, then a referendum after.
The Senate version states that 45 days after the measure has been signed into law, a referendum is scheduled giving the community the decision on the fate of the casino in Palau.
One of the functions of the commission will be to solicit proposals from qualified firms and investors who wish to engage in casino gaming operations in Palau.
President Johnson Toribiong has already vetoed a casino bill, describing it as a get-rich-quick scheme that will not benefit Palau.
