The Northern Mariana Islands government has indicated readiness to reestablish the Commonwealth Casino Commission (CCC) if the legislature agrees to modify Saipan’s casino law and eliminate its long-standing exclusive license model. This comes as officials testify before the Senate Committee on Gaming, expressing the governor’s willingness to reverse the actions taken earlier this year, which saw the CCC dissolved and its responsibilities transferred to the CNMI Lottery Commission.
Senior policy adviser Claudio Norita addressed senators, explaining that Governor David M. Apatang’s Executive Order 24-2, which dismantled the CCC, would need to be rescinded if the proposed amendments to the casino law, designed to end the exclusive annual casino license, are approved. “If the proposed amendments pass, then before the governor signs it into law, the executive order has to be rescinded,” Norita emphasized, noting that a unified regulatory body is crucial to avoid jurisdictional conflicts.
The initiative to amend Public Law 18-56, the 2014 statute that legalized casino gaming on Saipan, aims to remove the monopoly by allowing multiple operators. This change is seen as a necessary step following the collapse of Imperial Pacific International (IPI), the exclusive licensee whose failure left the region grappling with legal and financial issues. Governor Apatang’s April 2025 order shifted regulatory authority to the Lottery Commission temporarily, but the current setup is viewed as unsustainable for a thriving casino industry.
Norita stressed that the Lottery Commission lacks the capacity to oversee the casino sector effectively. Its members, who hold full-time roles in public sectors like safety, commerce, and finance, cannot focus solely on gaming oversight. “We need to stand up the Casino Commission in the proposed amendment,” he stated, urging a collective journey towards a robust regulatory framework that serves the people of the CNMI.
Senate vice president and Committee chair Corina Magofna questioned the administration’s commitment to reviving the CCC if the bill progresses. Norita assured that the CCC’s restoration is integral to the legislative process, clarifying that the bill must explicitly mandate a dedicated casino oversight entity. “If it’s to the satisfaction of everybody – the Legislature and administration – then the administration will rescind the executive order,” he added.
Budget constraints are a significant driver behind the move to reopen the casino sector. Norita pointed out that the Commonwealth is struggling with limited funding, and the potential for regulated gaming to generate revenue cannot be ignored. “The casino industry is still here, available to us,” he remarked, advocating for vigilant oversight to prevent past mistakes. The proposed shift from a single-license model to multiple operators is positioned as a strategy to attract investment while mitigating risks associated with dependency on a solitary entity, such as the IPI debacle.
The administration suggests that the revised structure should coincide with a newly established CCC, equipped with clearer powers and robust governance. “We submitted the amendment with lessons learned from past mistakes,” Norita said, highlighting the need for an empowered commission to ensure effective operation.
Lawmakers have underscored the importance of public input in the decision to restart casino gaming. Senator Paul A. Manglona referred to the legislative moment as an opportunity to gauge public sentiment, recalling past concerns that Saipan’s casino legalization was fast-tracked without direct community consultation. With the benefit of hindsight, the fallout from the IPI project and the CCC’s dissolution have prompted questions about the deal’s original promises.
“After all that has happened, we have to ask whether the community still supports reviving the industry,” Manglona noted, emphasizing the need for public consensus. Other senators, including Frank Q. Cruz, stressed the necessity for an independent CCC to avoid previous pitfalls like regulatory capture and delayed enforcement actions.
The discussions have also reignited the debate over whether casino oversight should rest with a specialized commission or remain under the broader Lottery Commission umbrella. Norita advocated for a dedicated regulator, warning that the current multi-body setup could lead to accountability issues. “We can’t have multiple commissions fighting over who has jurisdiction,” he argued, underscoring the need for precise control over due diligence, anti-money laundering measures, and contract enforcement.
Meanwhile, Patrick Sablan of the Lottery Commission acknowledged the limitations of his body, designed for lottery functions rather than full-scale casino management. Magofna concluded the session by noting that senators would review the draft bill with a focus on clarifying oversight responsibilities and ensuring the CCC’s effective reconstitution. “We have to get this right if we are going to reopen the door to casino gaming,” she asserted.
As the Northern Mariana Islands navigate these discussions, the broader implications for the region’s economy and regulatory landscape remain closely watched by industry stakeholders and the community alike.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.
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