Saipan’s Casino Regulator Issues Ultimatum to IPI for $79.6M in Unpaid Fees

The Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) of the Northern Mariana Islands has issued a stern 30-day notice to Imperial Pacific International (CNMI), demanding the payment of a staggering US$62 million in overdue casino license fees accumulated over the last four years. This move signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing financial and regulatory saga involving one of Saipan’s major casino operators.

In a significant regulatory move, the CCC has set a 30-day deadline for Imperial Pacific International to clear its substantial debt in license fees, highlighting the stringent enforcement of gaming regulations in Saipan.

The Saipan Tribune‘s recent report from the CCC board meeting reveals that IPI’s financial obligations extend beyond the license fees. The company has proposed a payment plan of US$5 million annually for four years for the casino license fee and US$1 million per year for four years for the regulatory fee. This proposal comes as part of IPI’s bid to reactivate its suspended casino license.

The resolution of this financial impasse is crucial for the stability and integrity of the gaming industry in Saipan. A timely settlement of these dues is essential for maintaining the trust and regulatory compliance crucial in the gaming sector.

Stakeholders in the Northern Mariana Islands’ gaming industry should closely monitor this situation as it unfolds. The resolution of this case will have significant implications for regulatory compliance and financial accountability in the region.

However, IPI’s financial woes extend further, as they also owe the CCC an additional US$17,625,000 in outstanding casino regulatory fees, fines, and penalties. This brings IPI’s total indebtedness to the CNMI to a massive $79,625,000, encompassing casino regulatory fees, regulatory fees, fines, and other unpaid obligations as per a previous stipulated resolution.

The suspension of IPI’s casino license dates back to April 2021, when the CCC took decisive action in response to the company’s failure to comply with the commission’s directives across five separate enforcement actions. In light of these developments, House floor leader Propst expressed his intention to work with House Gaming Committee chair Ralph N. Yumul (Ind-Saipan) and the CCC to seek a resolution to this complex issue.

This development marks a pivotal moment for the gaming industry in Saipan, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance and the serious consequences of failing to adhere to financial and operational directives set by the governing bodies. As IPI faces this critical ultimatum, the outcome of this situation will likely set a precedent for future regulatory actions within the Northern Mariana Islands’ gaming sector.