Northern Marianas governor talks to S. Korean, H.K. investors on casino project

Northern Marianas Islands governor Eloy S. Inos said he has been in talks with a group from South Korea and two sets of investors from Hong Kong about potentially building a casino on Saipan, according to reports. The Hong Kong investors include Mega Stars Overseas. Inos said the talks relate to investments of about $3 billion in tourism-related projects. A bill legalising gambling on the island was passed by the legislature last week as part of an effort by the government to raise revenue to close a pension-funding shortfall.