Bali Tourism Board Rejects Casino Legalization, Citing Cultural Tourism Priorities
The Bali Tourism Board (GIPI Bali) has publicly opposed proposals to legalize casinos and gambling in Bali, arguing the island's tourism strategy should remain centered on culture and sustainability rather than gambling, which it says offers limited broad economic benefit.
DENPASAR — The Bali Tourism Board (GIPI Bali) has come out against proposals to legalize casinos and gambling on the island, arguing the move would conflict with Bali's tourism development priorities. Chairman Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana said Bali's core competitive advantage lies in its distinct cultural identity, which casino development could undermine by pushing the island toward imitating other destinations' tourism models.
The association warns that modern casinos often operate as self-contained "enclave" complexes combining accommodation, entertainment, dining and gambling, which could concentrate visitor spending within the complex and limit benefits reaching local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and surrounding communities.
GIPI Bali also raised concerns that a casino industry could conflict with Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature and the divine, potentially weakening Bali's appeal to travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. It further cautioned that legalizing large-scale commercial gambling should not be conflated with curbing illegal gambling, as it could introduce new risks such as money laundering.
Instead, the association called for prioritizing existing challenges: waste management, traffic congestion, road infrastructure, more even distribution of tourists across North, West and East Bali, and transparent use of the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA).
On a separate but related proposal to legalize tajen (traditional cockfighting), GIPI Bali said the practice should remain confined to its religious ritual context (tabuh rah), warning that commercializing it as open gambling could increase social and economic vulnerability at the community and family level.
Things to Consider
This is an industry association's position statement on a policy proposal; casinos are not currently legal in Bali. Tourists and residents should not plan trips around gambling facilities and can continue focusing on cultural and nature-based experiences as usual. Those interested in the outcome should monitor local news for any future legislative developments before making related plans.
Source: BaliNews.id