Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming October 2017 8 MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO James Murren says the company is looking to be part of a “Japanese-led” consortium in its bid to win a Japan gaming license, adding that any such collaboration should honor “the values and traditions of Japan” in creating a “uniquely Japanese Integrated Resort.” Speaking at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2017 Japan Conference in Tokyo, Mr Murren said that MGM Resorts Japan was committed to being a good partner to Japanese companies and wanted to partner with companies that brought the same company values and culture. He also pointed to Tokyo, Yokohama and Japan as the cities of choice for MGM – the same three cities highlighted by Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn. Mr Murren was quick to highlight the importance of any consortium of which MGM Resorts Japan is part being Japanese-led, stating that the company was continuing to learn about Japanese MGM Resorts targeting “Japanese-led” consortium culture and traditions, was building cultural and business bridges between the US and Japan, was developing a “relationship of trust” with many Online poker giant PokerStars has officially withdrawn its real money services from Australia, but the hiatus might not last long with the federal government considering a new feasibility study into issuing licenses to selected online poker operators. PokerStars was forced to pull the pin on 13 September as the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill, which closes loopholes in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 and strengthens the government’s ability to prosecute illegal online operators, came into effect. However, it seems that months of lobbying by the Australian Online Poker Alliance (AOPA) to legalize and regulate online poker in Australia might pay off with the government reportedly advising that it is “favorably disposed” to reforms that would exempt online poker players from illegal offshore wagering laws. Senator David Leyonhjelm, a strong supporter of the AOPA, released a statement this week revealing that Communications Minister Mitch Fifield had instructed his department to undertake some preliminary work on a feasibility study. “While any reforms will be contingent on Minister Fifield obtaining party room approval, he has indicated he has the support of Human Services Minister Alan Tudge, who led the government’s implementation of recommendations made in the Illegal Offshore Wagering Review,” the statement said. Australia to consider online poker licenses as PokerStars officially exits Japanese companies and was engaging with the community in order to promote Japan’s Advanced Tourism Nation agenda through IR development.