Saipan casino may face new tax

National authorities are debating the potential increase in gaming taxes among the industry.

Northern Marianas Islands.- The government of the island is planning on increasing casino taxes in order to perceive further revenue annually. The announcement was revealed by Rep. Edwin Propst, who suggested Imperial Pacific International should also pay a gross gaming revenue tax for its Saipan casino.

“An initiative petition shall contain the full text of the proposed law. If the petition proposes a general law for the commonwealth, the petition shall be signed by at least 25 percent of the persons qualified to vote in the commonwealth…” commented the official. It “shall be filed with the attorney general for certification that the requirements… have been met.”

The gaming company operates the highly renowned casino, Imperial Casino. The new gambling facility casino would feature around 200 to 300 gaming tables and 300 to 400 slot machines. The 350-suite resort is being designed by Steelman Partners LLP, which has been involved in the design of several large casinos in Asia and elsewhere.

Since July 2015, Imperial Pacific’s subsidiary, Best Sunshine International Ltd. has been operating a temporary casino in Saipan. The agreement with the local authorities would be extended in the following weeks. The company already has a gaming license and it is constructing the permanent venue, which was delayed due to business and climate difficulties.