CNMI hoping displaced Macau casino operators can save the day

March 3, 2022 Macau Industry Updates

The head of Saipan’s Commonwealth Casino Commission, Andrew Yeom, believes moves by the Macau government to tighten its gaming law could see potentially displaced operators eye new opportunities such as the CNMI.

Discussing the future of casino gaming in the region following the debacle of Imperial Pacific International – which is facing revocation of its license for failure to fulfil financial obligations – Yeom said he hoped the CNMI could find another solution rather than wave the white flag.

One of those, The Guam Daily Post reports, could come from Macau with Yeom suggesting a revision to the law limiting the number of concessions to six could see others look further afield. This appears to be a reference to the SAR’s satellite operators with one of the amendments currently being debated in Macau’s Legislative Assembly calling for all satellite casinos to be located within properties owned by the six concessionaires.

Should such amendments become law, Yeom said, “it may be troublesome for others who may not (get a license) and they may find themselves looking for other casino resort investment opportunities elsewhere, preferably in this Asia-Pacific region. The CNMI can be one of their possible destinations.”