In the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Imperial Pacific International Holdings Limited has reportedly again asked officials for permission to extend the construction deadline imposed upon its giant Imperial Palace Saipan integrated casino resort.

Casino license attached to hotel completion:

According to a report from the Saipan Tribune newspaper, the $650 million venue began welcoming gamblers to its casino just over a year ago to enjoy a selection of some 350 slots and 200 gaming tables…

However, a deal inked with the American territory’s Lottery Commission in April of 2017 made the license for this first-phase opening contingent upon the venue’s 350-room hotel being fully operational by the end of next month.

Second missed deadline:

The newspaper reported that this deadline had only been set after Imperial Pacific International Holdings Limited revealed that it would be unable to meet an August 11, 2017, target it had earlier agreed for the opening of the hotel portion of the Saipan property.

Commonwealth Casino Commission informed:

Despite an assertion from the Hong Kong-listed operator in June that it was working ‘diligently’ to complete construction of its Imperial Palace Saipan, the newspaper reported that it sent a letter to Edward Deleon Guerrero, Executive Director for the Commonwealth Casino Commission, a week ago stating that it now did not expect to meet the August 31 deadline.

Operator lodges extension petition:

The Saipan Tribune reported that Imperial Pacific International Holdings Limited has subsequently petitioned the three-member Lottery Commission for permission to again extend the deadline attached to Imperial Palace Saipan, which is expected to leave it vulnerable to penalties imposed by the Commonwealth Casino Commission.