Saipan casino struggles to survive

With a casino monopoly on the US Pacific island Saipan and a history of reporting multibillion dollar monthly VIP action, Hong Kong listed Imperial Pacific International says it can’t pay its casino license fees or legal judgments against it, and its beachfront hotel remains unfinished despite a purported US$900 million investment. New CEO Donald Browne says IPI has a new plan, if it can survive Covid-19.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming, contributor to Forbes, columnist/correspondent for Asia Times, and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Saipan casino gets hotel extension, axes builders

Imperial Pacific International Holdings’ Saipan casino got a lengthy extension for completing its long delayed hotel in the US Pacific territory. The Hong Kong listed company with its roots in junket promoter Heng Sheng promptly laid off 80 construction workers, the latest turn in this twisted tale.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Saipan billionaire casino owner doubles down

Imperial Pacific International’s casino in US Pacific Territory Saipan has reported more player debt than revenue and faces an August deadline to finish its beachfront hotel. Its shares have fallen by a third over the past year, and majority owner Cui Lijie lost her place of Forbes Asia’s Hong Kong Rich List. Nevertheless, Cui has bought another 119 million more shares this year.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Saipan casino brings Macau to America

The tiny casino in a shopping mall on US Pacific island Saipan reports more high roller betting than Venetian Macao, using Macau tools and connections. But casino owner Imperial Pacific International is struggling to raise money to complete its beachfront hotel with a full-fledged casino.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.