THE management of MP Holdings LLC is optimistic about the House of Representatives’ next action on Saipan Local Law 22-6, which doubled the electronic gaming license fee.
MP Holdings general manager Bart Jackson said: “We were very encouraged by our first meeting with the House Gaming Committee and being allowed to have some initial discussions and answer some of the committee members’ questions on the impact of the doubling of the gaming taxes on our e-gaming venues.”
He said MP Holdings would like to publicly acknowledge House Gaming Committee Chairman Edwin Propst’s positive comments in a meeting on Sept. 17, 2021.
Propst told Jackson the committee would like to “move forward through discussion and dialogue, without any anger and animosity.”
“We are hopeful that the next meeting with the House Gaming Committee will be held soon and we can continue these productive discussions [so] we can provide more details to the committee on the impact of the increase in gaming taxes on our business, [and] reach an amicable solution to save over 70 local jobs,” Jackson said.
He told lawmakers that the island’s two remaining e-gaming operators want to help the lawmakers “make the most informed decision.”
“We know that the community is hurting. We know that the Legislature is looking for help finding solutions to the CNMI’s problems. We want to help, but we cannot help if we cannot survive. We want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. With understanding and cooperation, we are confident we can find a workable accommodation that can help you raise additional funding and allow MP Holdings to remain in business,” Jackson told the lawmakers.
MP Holdings general manager Bart Jackson gestures as he speaks to members of the House Gaming Committee on Sept. 17, 2021 in the House chamber.
