by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The liberation festivities aren't set to begin for another two months, but the Mayors Council of Guam has already raised more than $450,000 from interested organizations and individuals wanting to handle the various concessions during the Liberation Carnival. Executive director Angel Sablan says they received more than 68 bids for this year's island fair.

Of that number, 12 were submitted for games of chance. He stated, "We have the Guam Mami organization, the Haya Foundation, Guahan Napu, the Agana Heights Athletes Organization and the Hafa Adai Babe Ruth and they've all bid for anything from casino to color games, spin the wheel, bingo, over and under, and big and small."

Sablan says the applications for the games of chance and the casino are being reviewed and their non-profit status is being verified with the Department of Revenue & Taxation before they are awarded. He did confirm that the winning bidder for this year's casino paid $306,000. While there will be a casino with baccarat, poker, keno, Texas Hold 'Em, roulette and other games, Sablan says the hours of the casino have not yet been set but officials do intend to ask permission for 24-hour operations.

Sablan adds that this year, they will work with the winning vendor to ensure all of the casino regulations are in writing up front to ensure there are no closures such as what happened last year.