The Japanese government will award the three casino licenses on offer under its IR Implementation Bill to whichever groups “promise to build the biggest integrated resort with the smallest casino,” according to Delta State Holdings gaming consultant David Bonnet.
Speaking at a media event in Tokyo this week in conjunction with the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan, Bonnet said that the government had been working hard to develop an IR bill that is investment-worthy but added any foreign companies wishing to enter the market will need to exhibit their willingness to adapt to local expectations, including working closely with local Japanese firms.
“The winner will be the group that promises to build the biggest integrated resort with the smallest casino,” he said. “I feel that a Japanese-led enterprise or consortium is going to be key to the success. Operators needs to show the government their willingness to work with and be invested in the local Japanese private sector.
“Some operators have already started this courting process, including involvement in seminars and educational programs for the private sector throughout Japan.”
However, Bonnet also called for Japanese companies to start developing strategic plans for partnering with foreign casino companies and utilizing their expertise in the industry.
“Established Japanese companies will start to become much more aggressive in developing their strategy for working with global IR firms,” he said of news that the IR Implementation Bill is set to be passed within days.
“They will need to choose their partners wisely, developing a strategic plan inclusive of a vision that global operators can buy into for the long-term. This should be seen as a massive opportunity for the Japanese private sector; one that should be focused on today.”
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