To celebrate the recent legalization of gaming in Japan, the World Poker Tour has announced that it will partner with Japan Poker Union Corporation to bring the WPT to Tokyo. The WPT will bring four events to a venue that will be announced.
Japan Poker Union Corporation issued a statement: “The Japan Poker Union Corporation is very pleased to partner with the World Poker Tour on this brand-new event, WPT Japan. The World Poker Tour is the perfect brand to help launch a new chapter for poker in our country, and we look forward to hosting players from all over […] and showcasing all that this great region has to offer.”
WPT CEO Adam Pliska called Japan a “truly spectacular place, and added: “the Japanese poker market is a flourishing one. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Japan, I strongly encourage poker players of all levels from around the world to come to Japan and experience first-hand everything this beautiful region has to offer.”
So far, no casinos have been built in Japan, but some estimate that market could be $40 billion annually, or half of the U.S. market.
The Japanese tournaments will qualify players for the WPT Asia-Pacific Player of the Year leaderboard, with a $15,000 package that will include complimentary accommodations and ground transportation.
