In order to stimulate economic development in the depressed southern and central areas, Taiwan is preparing to introduce sports gambling on April 15, 2008 according to the director of the Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Yang Chung-ho yesterday confirmed that three types of sports gambling would be introduced, including horse and car racing. The latter will probably be the first to be made available as car racing does not require a change in the current laws, while horse racing would require a change to the country’s Animal Production Law, which states that animals cannot be used for gambling purposes. Changing this law could take a fair amount of time, however Chung-ho stated that he anticipated it should move along fairly quickly to help aid the economy of the Southern and Central areas.
The Council is set to meet on September 10 of this year to decide which institution will be in charge of issuing lottery tickets as well.
