TINIAN - NORTHERN MANIANAS ISLANDS

CURRENCY: US$.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English.

POPULATION: 1,200.

CAPITAL: Capitol Hill (Saipan).

INTERNATIONAL CODE: TELEPHONE 670.

CURRENCY CONTROLS: The local currency is US$.The Northern Marianas Islands are a United States Commonwealth.The US$ may be freely imported and exported, but amounts of US$ 10,000 or equivalent must be declared on the form "Report of International Transportation of Currency".

Gaming Information: Gaming was approved in the November election of 1989.The Tinian Casino Gaming Control Act became effective January 1, 1990.Under the plan only five casinos will be allowed on the island.Its approval came basically as a potential solution to Tinian's economic and development woes.Gaming can only be conducted in connection with a hotel development.In August 1993 the first casino licensed granted was to International Casino Services of Adelaide, Australia, but they did not open a casino.Lone Star Casino Corp.of Texas & Las Vegas opened the first casino in April, 1995, in temporary facilities, but closed in 1996.