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 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.

US territory Saipan, promised $7 billion resort, gets mall casino

In US Pacific territory Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, a $7 billion integrated resort promise for Saipan begins with a shopping mall casino. Project developer Imperial Pacific, a Hong Kong listed company linked to Macau junket promoter Heng Sheng Group, plans to deliver the resort in pieces.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes 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 legalization shows how not to do it

US Pacific possession Saipan has legalized casinos in a process that’s been flawed from the outset. A US judge and Washington lobbying firm Park Strategies, founded by Alfonse D’Amato, along with a Macau junket promoter, are watching closely.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes 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.