IPI requests CCC board to postpone hearing on potential revocation of casino license

With effect from January 31, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC has requested in writing that the Commonwealth Casino Commission board postpone the hearing on the potential revocation of IPI’s exclusive casino license.

Howyo Chi, manager/director of IPI, responded to an inquiry from the Saipan Tribune by saying that discussions with the CCC about the revocation hearing, outstanding payments, and other pertinent matters are now taking place.

Chi said that although the parties have discussed several proposals, no firm agreements have been reached up to this point.

Tuesday, the day before the scheduled revocation hearing, will be the CCC board’s monthly meeting, which will be held in the Springs Plaza Building in Gualo Rai, according to Acting Chair Rafael Demapan.

A preliminary provision asking to dismiss or postpone the casino license revocation procedure is included in the meeting agenda. Furthermore, there is an initial need for the CCC to reverse its earlier decision from April 22, 2021, which put IPI’s casino license on hold.

It seems that IPI missed the deadline of December 30, 2023, for paying the CNMI government over $62 million for casino license fees.

Original story by: The Saipan Tribune