Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen made a last ditch appeal for residents of Penghu County to say no to casinos ahead of a referendum in the outlying island on October 15.

Focus Taiwan News Channel reported that Tsai, who is also the chair of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), reiterated the party’s opposition to the opening of casinos in Penghu County during the political party’s Central Standing Committee meeting.

Saying that the county should not rely on gambling for local development, Tsai said that Penghu should instead focus on developing its tourism industry. She pointed out that the country is abundant with natural resources which make it a prime location for tourism development.

Tsai vowed that the she and the ruling DPP administration would demonstrate its resolve and ability to promote economic development in Penghu to prove that that gaming is not the only way to boost local development.