Saipan, CNMI — With the Covid-19 pandemic grounding the tourism industry, the Northern Marianas is looking to internet gaming to revive its ailing economy.

Last week, the islands' Senate passed a bill allowing internet gaming in the CNMI.

Introduced at the House of Representatives, the bill said internet gaming, when properly regulated, does not pose any greater risk to health, safety, or welfare than other forms of properly licensed gambling.

Under the measure, internet gaming can be authorised either with Commonwealth-wide law or by local law on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Unlike casinos or poker establishments, internet gaming is accessible by people in jurisdictions in which internet gaming is legal and the idea is it will provide a source of revenue independent of tourist arrivals.