The Chairman and CEO of Monaco casino operator Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), Jean-Luc Biamonti, says his company would go above and beyond any official government regulations aimed at reducing problem gambling should it be awarded one of three Japan IR licenses to be issued upon passage of the country’s IR Implementation Bill.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Japan IR partner Galaxy Entertainment Group, Biamonti said that the SBM-Galaxy consortia would implement its own rules in addition to government-enforced regulations in order to minimize harm.
“In addition to government rules, we will add to these rules to ensure there is no problem – we will be very protective of the people,” he said, pointing to SBM’s efforts in Monaco as an example.
“The Monaco government owns 63% of SBM and we adapt to their rules but even so, in addition to that set of rules, you also have your own judgement. We can exclude anyone from the casino and we don’t have to give a reason. If we see a problem we take action.”
Biamonti said that, in his experience, mass market players were generally more likely to find themselves with a gambling problem but added he was more than willing to step in anywhere he was needed.
“Only recently we had a big VIP customer who was losing a lot of money and was getting very upset, asking for more credit and I had to step in and calm him down to make him see reason,” Biamonti said. “I think that is very important, to look after people’s best interests no matter who they are.”
The SBM boss also referenced his company’s strong track record in promoting and investing in tourism initiatives as evidence of the benefits it can bring to Japan. In particular he cited the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 tennis tournament and the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix as events that wouldn’t be possible without SBM’s financial input.
“We are obliged to activate the principality,” Biamonti said.
“The tennis center (at Monte-Carlo Country Club) lost money for a long time but we have always considered it to be an important part of the city.
“The Formula 1 Grand Prix actually loses money every year. Not everyone knows that but it does lose money and SBM pays the difference.
“We see ourselves bring that same sort understanding to Japan so we can contribute to the local communities in which we operate.”
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