The Buzz | Guam: Mayors stop casino gambling at Tiyan grounds

Village mayors have ceased fiesta-related gambling at the Tiyan Carnival Grounds after concerns were raised last month about its legality, said governor’s office spokesman Julius Santos. Santos said no mayors have asked to use the site for fiesta-related gambling next year. Linala Sin Casino, a group that opposes casino gambling on Guam, raised concerns about gambling continuing in Tiyan after the Liberation Day carnival had closed in August.
Villages have been using the Tiyan site for gambling operations as part of their annual fiestas, said Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann, who also serves as vice president of the Mayors’ Council of Guam. He said village mayors had been using the site over the last five months with the governor’s approval. The governor’s office last month said it was unaware mayors were continuing to use the Tiyan carnival site for casino gambling. Santos previously told Pacific Daily News the only villages approved to use the site this year were Asan-Maina and Barrigada.