The Public Works Department is interested in looking into the deteriorating Saipan casino owned by IPI

The Saipan-based Imperial Palace Casino has not reopened and its operator, Imperial Pacific International (IPI), has faced numerous controversies that nearly led to the loss of its license. However, according to Mariana Variety, the casino’s closure for two years may have also caused significant damage to the property.

Even if the court permits IPI to resume operations, the safety of the venue could prevent it from reopening. The harsh climate in the Northern Mariana Islands may have weakened the property’s structural integrity and accelerated corrosion, especially in the absence of maintenance. Moreover, given that Imperial Palace was incomplete from the outset, it is likely to have significant issues.

The property is under investigation by the DPW

The Department of Public Works (DPW) aims to evaluate the safety of the Imperial Palace Casino, and DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul has requested IPI’s consent to conduct inspections of the property’s electrical, mechanical, and other standard components, as well as welding connections. Yumul also intends to examine the two cranes that have been standing on the property since its closure in 2019, especially since a prior report indicates that the cranes were already deteriorating in 2021.

Yumul has assured that the inspection will focus on identifying critical areas that require immediate attention. As a former chief executive of Imperial Palace, he may possess the appropriate expertise to help IPI salvage the property from further damage.

However, casino.org has reported that the DPW has yet to obtain approval from the Commonwealth Casino Commission for the investigation due to the unavailability of Ralph S. Demapan, who is likely preparing for arbitration meetings in Hawaii. Consequently, the essential inquiry may face delays.

IPI remains in a precarious situation

In the previous year, IPI almost lost its Saipan casino license due to its persistent inability to pay its regulatory and licensing fees. However, IPI promised to resolve its debts, leading to a delay in the hearing.

Although IPI made a partial payment in November, it has yet to settle its fees promptly. Additionally, during the same period, the Northern Mariana Islands approved the auction of Imperial Palace’s assets.