Lawyers groups call for bill to be scrapped
Japan’s ruling coalition may extend the current Diet session in order to pass the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill, which would establish the regulatory framework for legal casinos in the country.
The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Komeito, are considering extending the session by two to four weeks in order to push the legislation through, the Mainichi reports.
Meanwhile, a new potential IR operator is looking to join the race for one of three licenses that will be made available. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Foxwoods CEO Felix Rappaport said the tribal company’s interest in cultural representation should play well in Japan.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is “very proud of what they’ve built but also have great respect for other cultures. So if I’m Japan, I’m making sure that, be it through museums or attractions, you build in all of that rich history and culture. The wonderful thing about Japan is that each region has its own rich history and each of the IRs that is built can have a reflection of what makes that particular region unique.”
Rappaport said Foxwoods is considering an investment in the $2 billion to $3 billion range if it wins a Japan gaming license.
“We are all about partnerships,” he said. “We are the ultimate in respectful partners, so when we come to Japan or to a particular target area for an IR, we want local companies and local investment partners to work with us. They know the market better than we do.”
He added that some of what works in Connecticut will also work in Japan, “but it has to be tailored to the likes of both the Japanese people and the tourists we hope to attract. I would think that working with local Japanese companies and local investment partners is really the key for us.”
Other potential bidders include Foxwoods’ rival in the U.S., Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment; a third U.S. tribal concern, Hard Rock International, which is associated with the Seminole Nation of Florida; MGM Resorts International; Caesars Entertainment; Wynn Resorts; the Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Malaysian casino giant Genting; Hong Kong-listed Melco Resorts & Entertainment; and wild cards like Sega Sammy of Japan and Macau junket operator Suncity, which has been branching out into operations.
As the process rolls out, one group is calling for the IR bill to be scrapped. According to Asia Gaming Brief, the Japan Federation of Shiho-Shoshi Lawyer’s Associations issued a statement June 5 in the name of Chairman Yoshinori Imagawa, citing concerns about gambling addiction. It’s joined in its opposition by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations.
