The operator of shuttered Saipan casino Imperial Palace • Saipan reportedly still owes the CNMI government US$76.5 million in outstanding fees as the resumption of license revocation hearings edges closer.
According to comments made by Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) chair Edward C. DeLeon Guerrero, and reported by Saipan Tribune, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC owes the government US$62 million in casino license fees and the CCC US$14.5 million in other fees. The US$62 million in casino license fees relates to unpaid annual fees of US$15.5 million from 2020 to 2023.
IPI has been looking to have it casino license, which was suspended in April 2020, reinstated, arguing that its failure to pay mandated fees was a result of force majeure. IPI’s casino, Imperial Palace • Saipan, was closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has not reopened since.
The company recently touted its desire to reopen the casino should it find outside investment, but has since seen receives sell off the majority of its gaming equipment to settle disputes with former contractors. Authorities last month also ordered the seizure of other items from Imperial Palace • Saipan, including two giant crystal dragons adoring the hotel lobby.
According to DeLeon Guerrero, a recent ruling by the CNMI high court has affirmed the fact that IPI must repay its dues, however penalties for late payment are to be stricken as a result of the original COVID-forced closure.
The CCC will now consider a “reasonable time” for IPI to make repayments, he added.
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