U.S. tribal gaming operator Foxwoods Resort Casino could be one of the international firms vying for an integrated resort license in Japan. The company has confirmed it is looking at Tomakomai, Hokkaido, where it hopes to develop a smaller, regional IR.
The Connecticut company’s foray into Japan stalled when Foxwoods President and CEO Felix Rappaport died suddenly in June. His role as leader of the Japan initiative has been picked up in part by Mike Tanji, chairman of Gaming Capital Management, who told Asia Gaming Brief that Foxwoods will likely open a Japan office in the near future, and could also be interested in a license to operate in Nagasaki.
According to AGB, French operator Groupe Barrière will legally establish its Japanese branch in Tokyo ahead of bidding for an IR license. Director of Casino Development Jonathan Strock said Barrière has participated in the Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and Wakayama RFI processes. “We would be quite happy to hold a minority stake” in a venture led by a Japanese company. Strock said.
The growing line of interested bidders also includes the Las Vegas Sands Corp., Genting Group, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts and Entertainment.
