Inside Asian Gaming

SEPTEMBER 2018 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 27 “We only have one request: in developing the detailed regulations, allow for a proper period of consultation from industry experts and operators before approving specific regulations.” – Ed Bowers IN FOCUS It is well known that not all forms of gambling are created equal and the tourist-oriented IR that Japan is seeking to introduce is able to maximize economic impacts while minimizing negative impacts better than any other form of gambling activity. MGM will continue to put the case for tourist-oriented IRs in Japan. Now that the Government of Japan has approved the IR Implementation Bill, we will likely allocate more resources to winning the hearts and minds of people living in the communities in which we have an interest. MC: What are your general thoughts on IR locations? EB: The government of Japan has indicated that the IRs must be innovative and internationally competitive and must attract significant numbers of international business and tourist visitors. This is best achieved by locating IRs within large metro areas that will allow the necessarily large level of investment. MB: What’s the most sensible approach to partnerships for casino companies? EB: MGM firmly believes that it is not possible to develop a Japanese IR without Japanese partners. We have said this from day one. We have an excellent track record of being a good partner. MGM will bring a lot of valuable expertise and experience to the development and operation of an IR and would anticipate having a significant equity interest. A Japanese IR will be uniquely Japanese but will require the expertise of a world-class operator like MGM to fully meet the expectations of the government of Japan. Ed Bowers Osaka is well ahead of its rivals in terms of city and prefecture cooperation. disapprove of casino gaming. There is also a large group of people that are undecided. Typically, these three groups are roughly equal. In Japan we have done primary research and we believe that the distribution of the Japanese public is not dissimilar to other jurisdictions, with perhaps a few more people in the undecided category.