Imperial Pacific eyes online gaming
With the Northern Mariana Islands soon to pass legislation, Imperial Pacific confirmed its interest in an online gaming operation in the future.
Northern Mariana Islands.- Imperial Pacific International continues to stand out in Saipan & Asia. While it works in its land-based operation, it is keeping an eye on a potential change of the local gaming landscape.
The House Committee on Gaming cleared a measure that favours online gaming in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The bill would turn the area into a new base for iGaming operations in the region.
As new regulations make progress, Imperial Pacific confirmed online gaming is part of its plans.
“If approved, Imperial Pacific shall apply for an online gaming licence and the industry would also be regulated by the Commonwealth Casino Commission,” IPI said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
“Depending on the final language of the bill, it would be feasible to open up this market to multiple operators,” AGBrief quoted Commonwealth Casino Commission Executive Director Edward Guerrero.
The Saipan casino
Imperial Pacific International Holdings continues to work on its Saipan casino. However, the company has announced it expects to open the casino resort by September 30, 2019.
The developer made the announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange a few weeks ago. It explained it hopes to open only phase 1 of its integrated resort development, called “Imperial Palace Saipan.”
The venue had opened as a temporary facility in 2015 and pushed the local economy ever since. It contributed to around 60% of government revenues through taxes and operating fees. Revenue from high roller gamblers from China is the primary money source, but the typhoon has lured them away.
However, government officials say IPI is behind on monthly tax payments and, according to the company, tax revenues dropped 70%.
