Casino applicant Mariana Stars rejected; Commission OKs 2 consultants
Around 3pm Thursday, the four-member Lottery Commission rejected the application of Marianas Stars Entertainment Inc. for not depositing $30 million in escrow “on time”—by the May 5 deadline. It was only able to submit its business plan on time. This means only Best Sunshine International Ltd. is still in the running for an exclusive license to develop a casino resort on Saipan.
The Lottery Commission also approved separate contract negotiations with casino investigator B2G Global Strategies and gaming development consultant The Innovation Group. Both firms will help the commission in reviewing the remaining applicant.
Lottery Commission chair Sixto Igisomar said this does not necessarily mean Best Sunshine International will get the exclusive Saipan casino license because its business plan still has to undergo thorough review. The commission decision deadline is June 19.
Full story in Friday’s paper.
