A young entrepreneur has outlined a proposal to develop a luxury casino resort in an economically deprived area of Bali. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

An ambitious proposal to develop a luxury casino resort in one of Bali’s struggling areas is currently a hot topic in the region as it could transform the island into a hub for gambling. The person behind this plan is Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Association on the Indonesian island.

He believes the project would significantly boost the local economy and force lawmakers to finally get a handle on long-running issues surrounding infrastructure such as traffic congestion and waste management.

economic impact of such a resort for the local area could be up to IDR 13 trillion (UIS$815m) annually

Linggih estimated that the economic impact of such a resort for the local area could be up to IDR 13 trillion (UIS$815m) annually, as local businesses and workers would benefit. He also thinks that it would boost the area’s attractiveness to tourists.

One big issue standing in the way is Indonesia’s conservative stance toward gambling; all forms of gambling are illegal in the country.

Some lawmakers were quick to point out the unlikelihood of such a project becoming a reality. Indonesian Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that the government has no plans to allow for the building of casinos, instead keeping its focus on tourism that is cultural and sustainable.