Taiwanese authorities will allow the establishment of up to two gambling resorts, which are expected to start operation as soon as in 2013, the China Times reported on Sunday.

In January this year, the ban on gambling was lifted by the passage of a controversial bill supported by the Kuomintang. On Saturday, government agencies met to decide on some ground rules for the opening of casinos in Taiwan.

At the meeting, it was decided that no more than two casinos would be built initially, that they would have at least 1,000 rooms. Furthermore, a third casino license may be issued no sooner than 10 years after permission is granted for the second of the initial casinos, according to the newspaper.

It is expected that the casinos will bring half a million tourist visits every year, NT$100 billion in annual income and up to 50,000 new jobs.