Limitless Junket Operators in Saipan once Pacific Resort Opens

There will be no-limit on the amount of junket operators allowed to do business in Saipan once the Pacific Resort and Hotel opens next year, according to gaming regulator the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC).

CCC Executive Director Edward Deleon Guerrero told the Saipan Tribune: “No number [limit] for the junket operators. The live training facility that currently operates only has five VIP rooms, but when the Grand Mariana opens, it will have a bigger number of VIP rooms to accommodate those who come here to play.”

He continues: “The junket operators are a necessary part of the gaming industry and we are competing in a regional area and you have the likes of Macau and Singapore. Right now Saipan is the fifth most favorite destination by Chinese tourists and we are also fifth in the casino gaming world behind Macau, Las Vegas, Singapore, and the Philippines. Now we are on the world map.”

Last week, CCC issued a provisional license to Korea-based junket operator, Big Bang Entertainment, local media reported. Around 17 more applicants are currently under consideration, said Guerrero. All will undergo numerous checks including credit, role, wealth and delegation.

He explained: “All the applicants are still under review. We have implemented additional review process, where are working with the casino operator to have them vet the junket operators too, beginning from the financial perspective. Currently IPI goes through a vetting process before they issue a credit to their VIPs.”

Guerrero continued: “Once IPI approves the issuance of the credit process, then they will issue a letter of intent to transact with this company as a junket operator. They would then submit that to the CCC, including their findings along with the letter of intent that they would do business with that operator.”

“At that, CCC would continue to screen the criminal and association background checks from the time the application was submitted and the fees are paid. Once we get the letter of intent and IPI’s findings, we then assess whether or not the applicant requires further vetting and we will assess a minimum amount for investigation purposes. So, if IPI refuses to issue the letter of intent, then that application stops. We do not entertain it anymore.”