Commission of the Northern Mariana Islands warns casino operators

The Commonwealth Casino Commission of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has warned casino operator that unless the Hong Kong-based company Imperial Pacific International adds to its workforce of 581, the deadline is likely to be missed. Therefore, the expected casino inauguration would be delayed.

The project is expected to cost US$507 million and $US334 million has been invested so far. Officials of the prime contractor, MCC International, have reportedly fled the CNMI instead of facing charges of recruiting and putting to work Chinese tourists on the construction site. MCC International also reportedly didn’t pay the illegal workers.

The impact of the industry and how it affects the community, as well as regulatory measures, will be discussed by the new body. Moreover, gaming activities like casinos, pokies, online gaming, among others, will be treated by the CNMI committee.

After a long hurdle that included protests from its workers, the Imperial Pacific International Holdings (IPI) held the grand opening of its Saipan casino Imperial Pacific during the first week of July. The Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCO) granted IPI the permission to launch gaming operations at the Imperial Pacific Resorts late last month.