Despite reports that South Korean company, IH-Group, intends to develop a casino and resort on the island of Rota, authorities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have denied the project has already been greenlighted.
The company is said to have started renovating the Rota Resort & Country Club to feature a casino, a 276-room hotel, and a waterpark, aiming to enhance tourism and establish the island as an entertainment destination with a targeted opening in 2025.
However, according to The Saipan Tribune, the Department of Public Lands (DPL) clarified that the property is still open for proposals, with a request for proposals (RFP) closing on November 10th.
DPL Secretary Teresita Santos confirmed that the RFP, initially set to end in September, was extended to allow more time for submissions. IH-Group has submitted a proposal for the property and was granted a conditional casino and internet gaming license in July, requiring an annual payment of $200,000 to maintain the license.
The publication notes that IH Group’s new casino license allows it to operate both land-based and online gaming facilities on the island, with the Korean group planning to establish two more casinos and having already set up a small gaming venue on the island with five baccarat tables, one blackjack table, and 30 slot machines.
The company previously signed a $150 million investment contract with Imperial Pacific International to continue construction on a hotel-casino in Saipan.
The Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) is preparing to initiate revocation proceedings against Imperial Pacific.
The CCC must first request the US District Court to lift a stay on the revocation proceedings, which was imposed when IPI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. Following IPI’s decision to sell the hotel-casino, the CCC has resumed efforts to revoke its exclusive license.
