Connecticut-based tribal operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (MGE) last week announced it was putting a bid in on a Japanese casino. The company will partner with shidori International Development Godogaisha to develop a joint bid for an integrated resort (IR) license in Nagasaki, Japan.
The partnership says it will “collaborate in developing a world-class integrated resort, but also in creating a dynamic community for Nagasaki to become a premium travel destination and a premier residential choice,” according to the release.
“We are honored to work with Oshidori International and leverage their team’s unparalleled experience on this IR license bid in one of the fastest growing markets in the world,” said MGE CEO Mario Kontomerkos. “Japan offers important development opportunities that will benefit the Kyushu economy.
“As operators of 10 properties globally,” he added, “we are eager to bring our expertise to this venture.”
The Nagasaki Prefecture’s bid selection process projected will take place throughout the summer and fall of 2021. The proposed IR would be located in Sasebo City.
In South Korea, MGE has asked the government to delay the opening of its Inspire resort from 2022 to “early 2023,” reports GGRAsia.
According to a spokesperson, though the firm would still endeavor to open the resort by the “second half of 2022,” MGE submitted a formal request to delay to South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. “We hope that the ministry would approve our application within January 2021,” the spokesperson said.
The property is under development in Incheon, called “the gateway to Seoul,” close to South Korea’s main international air hub. Phase 1 of the multibillion-dollar resort complex will include three hotels with 1,250 rooms, a 15,000-seat entertainment venue, 40 food and beverage outlets, and a foreigners-only gaming venue with 160 table games and 700 slot machines.
The Inspire scheme is about “12 percent completed” and construction is ongoing, the spokesperson said, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic had “slowed progress.”
