Offering a tinge bit of irony in the wake of the U.S. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the Northern Mariana Island of Rota, could very well pass legislation calling for the regulation of casino gambling. The Mariana Islands, which are a U.S. Commonwealth, certainly have the self-appointed power and resources to establish a reputable gambling commission. And although the island of Rota's current legislative movement does not call for the regulation of online gambling, one cannot help but be reminded of the online gambling friendly Caribbean island of Antigua and Barbuda.

The manner in which Rota lawmakers are getting the current legislation (House Bill 15-219) introduced is nothing short of being somewhat unorthodox. Rather than putting the legislative proposal up for a vote, as was unsuccessfully done for the 2003 midterm election, the bills proponents are directly introducing it to the House in hopes it will be bestowed with an affirmative action by the Legislature, followed by signoff by the governor.

House Representative, Crispin Ogo, has been the caretaker of the legislation, which he says, calls for the formation of the Rota Casino Gaming Commission. The Commission is designed to be composed of five members - all appointed by the Rota mayor  and requiring consent from the Rota Municipal Council. Despite a growing public support for the casino gambling industry, when it came time for the initiative to be ratified in 2004, it fell short. This time around, rather than taking the route of an initiative, Rota's legislation delegation thought the bill's chances might have a better chance of getting passed by introducting it as simple legislation.

Casino gambling on the tropical island of Rota would certainly be a fun draw for tourists. Much in the same way that the small-sized Isle of Capri Casino does business on Grand Bahama Island, a solitary casino on the island of Rota would likely prove to be a profitable venture.