Temporary casino a possibility
Macau-based Alter City Group, which has won a license to run a casino on Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands, could open a temporary casino as its HK$10 billion (US$1.28 billion) mega-project is developed, according to the Macau Business Daily. However, the company could not proceed with its plan without an amendment to the Tinian Gaming Act, according to the Saipan Tribune.
Alter City Managing Director Ken Lin says the company is eager to get started on the project. “We won’t just have a piece of paper living in our drawers for the next few days. We want to get that going,” Lin told the Tribune. “Hopefully, we can … explore the options such as a temporary casino or the training center here on Tinian, and get that industry back again.”
Lin was likely referring to the closure last September of the island’s only casino resort, Tinian Dynasty, which shut down after a powerful typhoon hit the region and affected travel routes. Hundreds of people were put out of work when the casino and hotel closed.
Dynasty owner Hong Kong Entertainment Overseas Investments Ltd., which has faced legal issues including allegations of anti-money laundering statutes, recently filed for bankruptcy. Last summer, HKE consultant Christopher D. Bishop told Marianas Variety the property closed in large part “due to the typhoon—the last couple of typhoons.”
Bishop said the storms drove occupancy down to an unsustainable level and added, “HKE is not interested in reopening the casino.” Since then, a new owner, Tinian Entertainment Company, has filed for a casino application on the island.
Meanwhile, Lucia Blanco-Maratita, executive director of the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission, says that body will make a decision on Alter City’s suitability as an operator within 120 days.
The Macau-based real estate firm has proposed a global theme park and casino complex with 6,000 hotel rooms, villas and apartments as well as an 18-hole golf course and luxury retail shops. The planned Plumeria Golf and Casino Resort will be set on a 152-hectare (376-acre) parcel in Puntan Diablo. Its lease agreement with the Department of Public Lands includes an initial term of 25 years with an option for 15 additional years.
The casino, which will target mass-market players, will include 265,000 square feet of gaming floor on three levels.
