Bali Tourism Board Chief Opposes Casino Legalization, Warns of Reputational Damage
A Bali Provincial Council committee chair has proposed legalizing casinos as a new revenue source, prompting strong opposition from the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) chairman, who warns it would damage Bali's culture-based tourism reputation. The proposal remains at the discussion stage and has not resulted in any policy change.
According to NusaBali, Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, chairman of Commission II of the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD), suggested that legalizing casinos could become a new source of regional revenue, citing the ongoing crackdown on illegal cockfighting gambling (tajen). In response, Bali Tourism Board (BTB) Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana (known as Gus Agung) publicly rejected the idea on October 28, 2026.
Gus Agung argued that casinos are incompatible with Bali's tourism identity, which is rooted in culture, tradition, and spirituality. He warned that while casinos might generate economic benefits, they risk undermining Bali's reputation as a cultural tourism destination built over nearly a century, potentially rebranding the island from a tourism paradise to a gambling destination.
He also noted that casino tourists, often high-rollers, tend to concentrate spending at gaming tables rather than extending their stay or broadly benefiting the local economy. He further argued that casinos conflict with the Tri Hita Karana philosophy—harmony between humans, nature, and the divine—that underpins Bali's tourism values. On the argument that legal casinos could curb illegal gambling, Gus Agung countered that large-scale commercial gambling differs fundamentally from existing underground gambling and could introduce new risks such as money laundering.
Linggih had proposed on October 27 that legalizing gambling, replacing illegal tajen activity, could generate regional revenue for infrastructure, education, and cultural preservation. As of now, this remains a proposal from an individual lawmaker; no formal government decision or legislation has been made.
Things to Consider
This remains a policy proposal under debate and does not currently affect tourists or residents directly. Travelers and expats should stay informed of any official announcements from Bali's provincial or national government, avoid engaging with any gambling-related solicitations, and remember that gambling remains illegal in Indonesia under current law—steer clear of unofficial gambling venues or investment schemes tied to this topic.
Source: NUSABALI.com