Japan’s legislation of casinos creates integrated resorts opportunities

Following the Japanese Government’s passing of legislation to legalise gambling, casino operators are looking to establish integrated resorts development which could be worth up to US$40 billion a year in revenues.

The news has been welcomed by MGM Resorts International who have issued a statement saying that the IR Promotion bill “opens the possibility of large-scale, integrated resort development in Japan.”

The statement added “after years of study in the region, we believe the opportunity exists to drive significant growth in sustainable travel and tourism - particularly from international segments - along with the creation of thousands of jobs and long-term economic benefit.

“With an established, full-time development team in Tokyo pursuing discussions in Japan’s cultural and business communities, MGM Resorts is well-prepared to pursue future expansion efforts.

“(This) announcement allows us to advance our relationships with key stakeholders and together create a coalition of Japanese business partners who will collectively define a vision for a uniquely Japanese, world-class integrated resort.”

In spite of the legislative change to Japan’s longstanding casino, the Japanese public has little appetite for the change - with just 12% support according to a recent poll by Japan’s state broadcaster, NHK, and 44% against.

However, the benefit to the country from building several integrated resorts around the country could run to $40 billion in annual revenues and encourage tourism, particularly from China.

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