Casino developer Imperial Pacific International (IPI) may eventually launch its casino as part of larger development project in Saipan after the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Casino Commission gave conditional approval to the move.
The Hong Kong investor now needs approval from other responsible agency so that its casino opens doors while the rest of the resort is under construction.
IPI is currently building a multi-purpose complex with a hotel, casino, food and beverage options, and numerous attractions on the Saipan Island.
During a Wednesday meeting, the Commonwealth Casino Commission and IPI discussed the investor’s application for a permission to operate its casino while the hotel is still being developed. The casino regulator told local media that IPI had to present more documents and once this happens, the matter will be reevaluated and the body will announce its final decision on the casino operation.
The meeting was attended by representatives of other regulatory bodies that will, too, have to give the green light before IPI is able to move forward with its plan.
The casino developer assured the regulators that it had attended to concerns voiced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including cleaning construction debris and related activities that would make access to the casino easier and safer.
The Commonwealth Casino Commission explained that IPI had done everything it had been required in relation to the actual provision of gambling services. The regulator made it clear that it was the facility where those services would be provided and patrons’ safety that still need to be addressed.
Under its agreement with the regulator, IPI is set to relocate its temporary casino facility from the T Galleria shopping center to the integrated resort that is currently under development. The Hong Kong investor has missed several deadlines for the completion of the project and has even faced the gloomy possibility of losing its license. Yet, IPI had its lease on its temporary gaming facility extended by the Casino Commission in April.
Imperial Pacific Resort Hotel is planned to be rolled out in several phases. Phase 1 of ambitious project is planned to occupy a 140,000-square-meter area. The complex will feature a 14-story hotel tower and other luxury accommodation facilities, a casino with at least 200 gaming tables and 350 slot machines. Being an integrated resort, it will also provide visitors and guests with different dining options for gastronomes and multiple non-gaming options and attractions, alongside the gaming ones.
