Junket operations approved in Saipan

The CCC approved licences for three junket operators that will join Imperial Pacific International’s options.

Northern Mariana Islands.- Imperial Pacific International (IPI) is set to add further options to its operations as the gambling regulator cleared three operators to join the business. The Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) approved provisional licences for three junket operators which will help bring high rollers to IPI’s VIP rooms.

Bula Mula LLC, High Tides LLC and Stellar Paradise LLC were granted licences by the regulator and are expected to boost IPI’s performance. However, they are not expected to impact on the business for a while, as they first need to complete their documentation requirements and are still setting up local bank accounts and other operational box-ticking, executive director for the commission Edward Deleon Guerrero said.

“They are here to set up their bank accounts and all of their other operational requirements. They have the business licence and this is also the first time they get the chance to meet with the commissioners,” he explained and added: “Prior to that, they have been with our staff.”

“In [BSA], there’s the requirement for the anti-money laundering programs and we want to make sure that every junket operator understands the rules and complies with those requirements. We [also] require every junket applicant to have a CNMI business licence and CNMI bank account,” CCC chair Juan Sablan said.