IPI served notice on casino licence

The Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has warned IPI’s licence could be suspended or revoked due to unpaid fees.

Northern Mariana Islands.- Ralph Torres, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, has written to Imperial Pacific International to serve notice of the possible suspension or revocation of its licence on Saipan.

Earlier this month, CEO Donald Browne sent a letter to the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) requesting an abatement on the firm’s US$15.5 million annual licence fee. He said that with casinos closed since March and the business bringing in no money, the situation fit the “classic force majeure” clause in the licence contract.

The CCC responded to IPI that it had to “fulfil its obligations” and pay the licence fee due on August 12.

Now local media in the Northern Marina Islands reports that Torres’ letter has notified the operator that that payment of the fee is “unconditional” and that the government will look to suspend or revoke the licence if the operator does not fix the breach within a reasonable timeframe.