Global Market Advisors (GMA), one of the gaming industry’s leading hospitality, research and consulting firms, has released a complete white paper on the full opportunity for integrated resorts in Japan.
“White Paper: Japan Integrated Resorts” provides a comprehensive look at the market, including regulatory and responsible gaming considerations, definition of an integrated resort, and market revenue projections.
“Japan has been referred to as the holy grail for gaming markets, and if done correctly, will compete directly with Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore,” said Steve Gallaway, managing partner of Global Market Advisors. GMA evaluated four different scenarios, including the concept of the “Osaka Strip.”
“Japan has the ability to generate $10.9 billion to $24.2 billion in gaming revenue based on the scenarios outlined in the study,” said Gallaway. “The greatest opportunity to increase tourism would be the creation of the ‘Osaka Strip’ that could host multiple IRs developed by several quality operators.”
The political climate, regulatory structure, responsible gaming, definition of an integrated resort, and revenue projection chapters of the paper are available in both English and Japanese. The English version of the report has some additional sections highlighting the current population and tourism trends as well as a profile of the Japanese gamer. The English version of the 100-plus page report is available and the Japanese version of the report were both available on the GMA website as of May 5.
“The structure of the second integrated resort bill will be critical in forming the appropriate regulatory and responsible gaming environment to create a partnership between operators and government,” said Brendan Bussmann, director of government affairs for Global Market Advisors. “The National Diet will have the full opportunity to set a standard in regulation and responsible gaming that is based off of best practices and evidence-based outcomes.”
As Japan creates the next version of the integrated resort, it became clear to GMA that Japan’s stakeholders and the general public do not have a clear sense of the non-gaming amenities that are included in iconic integrated resorts. The authors of the paper received contributions from several leading operators to help define an integrated resort and showcase existing IRs.
“While gaming is centric to the model, the casino has a small footprint to the overall facility, featuring hotel, retail, restaurants, meeting and convention space, and other non-gaming amenities,” said Kazuaki Sasaki, Ph.D. from Toyo University, who participated in the preparation of the white paper.
GMA also credited Clairvest and Hard Rock International for leadership in sponsoring the white paper to educate Japan’s stakeholders on the benefits of integrated resorts, as well as contributions by Kazuaki Sasaki, Ph.D. from Toyo University, and Bo Bernhard, Ph.D. to the responsible gaming section.
