Yes, you read that correctly!
There are plans on the table to develop a casino in Buleleng Regency in Bali.
For those unsure as to why this is such shocking news, let us explain…gambling in pretty much all forms is illegal in Indonesia.
![Black Jack Table at Casino.jpg](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Huge-Casino-Could-Be-Coming-To-Bali-To-Boost-Tourism-.jpg)
The Chair of the BPC HIPMI, Putu Bayu Mandayana, has responded to the proposed development of a casino in Buleleng Regency in North Bali.
The leader has given firm support to the speculative project as he feels it could help boost tourism and economic development in one of Bali’s lesser-visited regions.
The BPC HIPMI is the Islamic Students Association, and Mandayana, as the chairman of the association, has a hugely influential reach within both the Islamic communities in Bali and the youth movements.
Mandayana is an entrepreneur based out of Buleleng Regency and wants to see the region that is often branded as Bali’s poorest regency to flourish in the future.
@gautrucdaikho Ai sầu ai buồn thì vào Casino giải sầu tạm nha #Casino#marinabaysands#singapore ♬ Cắt Đôi Nỗi Sầu Remix – H2O Remix
Speaking to the press, Mandayana said, “In my opinion, the progress of a region cannot be separated from the economic movements within it. To increase the circulation of money massively, I think we can’t just rely on the local sector; Buleleng must be able to attract sources of money from outside to come here.”
He added, “We should not look at the casino solely as a place for gambling, but from the perspective, we should see it as a tourist destination. Moreover, if it happens in Buleleng, it will be the only strong, unique selling point here. And I think the people who will come in the future will be exclusive tourists with a more generous type.”
@traveltrackerbd Casino in Genting Highland #malaysia #bukitbintang #kualalumpur #singapore #thailand ♬ original sound – Rokzaina
Mandayana concluded, “I think it is time for Buleleng to receive more attention for significant economic development and progress. Don’t let us just target for collecting votes during the election, but after that, we will be forgotten.”
For all his enthusiasm for the idea, Mandayana did not outline how a casino could even be developed. Since both casinos and gambling are currently illegal across all Indonesian provinces, there would have to be huge changes in both the law and public opinion in order for a project such as this to go ahead.
Gambling and casinos are, however, legal in neighboring Singapore, Malaysia, and ASEAN partners Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
@greygriy place you should visit in west Bali🏝 📍Menjangan island, Buleleng, Bali #westbali #buleleng #giliputih #menjangan #menjanganisland #sumberkima #fyp ♬ son original – nathaellabat
Gambling is illegal in all provinces, including in Bali; in Aceh Province, gambling carries an even greater sentencing. According to Article 303 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, almost all forms of gambling are prohibited, including online.
It is illegal to engage in gambling-related activities, operate an establishment for gambling, or promote gambling in any form.
There are serious punishments for those who are guilty of gambling, too, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
![Person-Counts-IDR-Indoneisan-RUpiah-Cash-Money-](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Person-Counts-IDR-Indoneisan-RUpiah-Cash-Money-.jpg.webp)
Gambling activities are permitted in very specific circumstances, such as in traditional games or in cultural festivals, though these kinds of activities are often seen as being tolerated rather than being explicitly legal.
Indonesia also facilitates a state-operated lottery called Togel, though this is strictly regulated by the top authorities.
![Cockfighting-Event-In-Bali-Two-Cockerels-Fight-While-Local-Men-Watch](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Cockfighting-Event-In-Bali-Two-Cockerels-Fight-While-Local-Men-Watch.jpg.webp)
Nevertheless, Mandayana’s vision to bring more tourists and investment to Buleleng Regency is one that is supported by many in the region.
Leaders from the central and provincial governments have all been vocal about their desire to promote North and West Bali as incredible tourist destinations with buckets of untapped potential.
However, the plans these leaders have put on the table are far less controversial than the development of a casino.
![West-Bali-National-Park-Blue-Ocean-Looking-At-Bali-Volancos-And-Mountains](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/West-Bali-National-Park-Blue-Ocean-Looking-At-Bali-Volancos-And-Mountains.jpg.webp)
One of the most popular plans to help boost tourism in West Bali is to connect the region as a dual destination with East Java. It was confirmed earlier this month by the Buleleng Regency Tourism Department that a new collaboration project will be made with the Banyuwangi Tourism Department, East Java, to increase tourist visits.
The first step in this collaboration will be to develop better fast boat services between Gilimanuk and Lovina in Bali and Banyuwangi in East Java.
These destinations being promoted as a travel package would enable tourists to explore Indonesian natural wonders like the incredible Mount Ijen and the West Bali National Park with ease.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
![](https://thebalisun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bali-Sun-Premium-1024x973.jpg)
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Randy
Sunday 4th of August 2024
Bad move over all.
But what does Ni Luh Djelantik has to say about this idea of a Casino in Buleleng Regency. Very curious to know...
M
Monday 5th of August 2024
@Randy,
What are you guys expecting? A politician sells what you guys wanna hear.
Anyway, I believe everybody is free to do what ever they feel to... but as I already hate the coin stealing fishing machines at time zone (thanks to my little boy 😁), I absolutely would hate the idea of building a Casino to attract tourist and investors. Casinos are bringing trouble, ludicrous dependency and money laundry (in a country where black money is a daily problem).
Think at something else to improve Buleleng's tourist flow and don't mind just your own pocket (as always I avoid stating names, for whom it may concern will know in case he's reading).
Thommo
Saturday 3rd of August 2024
Another consideration/proposa/ initiative to go into the Grand Final of comprehensively stupid Bali/Indo ideas. But then again Tommy Suharto, Hitomo the son and all their corruption rich cronies that proliferate and rip the money out of development insanity in Bali need somewhere to gamble outside of Macau or Singapore.
Steve b
Saturday 3rd of August 2024
Mandayana head of the islamic association and student groups etc etc doesn't even live in the buleleng/singaraja regency but wants to promote gambling on a massive scale is absolutely laughable. Another get rich hairbrained idea shame shame shame
Exp
Saturday 3rd of August 2024
Not remotely possible.
J H Winchester
Friday 2nd of August 2024
Gambling of any type is illegal in Bali, keep it that way, give these organisations an inch and they will take a mile. In my home country "Australia" poker machines, lotteries, horse racing, football matches etc all offer gambling. I know first hand how gambling effects the lives of so many people. I reside here in Bali, I respect the traditions, the people, the history of this wonderful Island and don't want to see the Balinese people get caught in these get rich quick schemes that the Gambling operations promote. To attract visitors there are other ways, gambling is not one of them, it leads to distruction of Families, Lives and culture. DON'T DO IT PLEASE.