• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Japan Gaming Congress starts today in Tokyo

May 10, 2018 Newsdesk Japan, Japan Gaming Congress 2018, Latest News  


Japan Gaming Congress starts today in Tokyo

Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yasutoshi Nishimura, is one of several Japanese officials and lawmakers that will address delegates today (Thursday), the first day of the two-day Japan Gaming Congress in Tokyo (pictured).

Koichi Hagiuda, the acting secretary general of the largest governing grouping, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will also speak.

The gathering will discuss topics related to Japan’s nascent casino industry, which some investment analysts say could move nearer to realisation with the possible passage this year of the Integrated Resorts (IR) Implementation Bill.

The IR Implementation Bill proposes an initial cap of three casino resorts nationwide, and a fixed tax rate of 30 percent on any casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated by that country’s proposed gaming resorts. It sets a JPY6,000 (US$55) casino entry fee for locals for 24-hour access, and limits casino visits by Japanese to three times a week and 10 times per month in aggregate.

The Japan Gaming Congress is being held at a time of some political uncertainty in Japan, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently faring poorly in opinion polls, and resistance in some quarters of the Japanese public to the idea of the proliferation of gambling – in the form of casino games – being available to domestic players as well as foreign visitors. Pastimes involving wagering – including pachinko – have long had something of a hazy status under Japanese regulation.

The country’s government has said the move is to boost inbound tourism by foreign visitors.

Representatives from at least five local governments interested in hosting a casino resort – Tomakomai City; Kushiro City; Hokkaido Prefecture; Wakayama Prefecture; and Nagasaki Prefecture – are due to attend the conference at the Conrad Tokyo. The event has been organised by U.K.-based Clarion Events Ltd.

Foreign companies that are suitors for one of the likely three initial Japanese casino licences will also have senior representatives at the conference. They include: Steve Tight, president of international development, Caesars Entertainment Corp; Michael Mecca, a director and president of Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd; Ed Tracy, chief executive and president Asia for Hard Rock International; Geoffrey Davis, representative director and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Japan Ltd; Ed Bowers, CEO, MGM Resorts Japan LLC; and Mario Kontomerkos, president and CEO of Mohegan Gaming Entertainment.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Galaxy Ent moves Mecca to independent non-exec director
    Galaxy Ent moves Mecca to independent...

    Mar 01, 2023  

  • Japan top gaming market though complex: MGM’s Bowers
    Japan top gaming market though complex:...

    Aug 24, 2022  

More news
  • APE narrows annual loss as revenue up 38pct
    APE narrows annual loss as revenue up...

    Mar 28, 2023  

  • Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism boss
    Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket...

    Mar 27, 2023  


Latest News

APE narrows annual loss as revenue up 38pct

APE narrows annual loss as revenue up 38pct

Mar 28, 2023  

Hong Kong-listed Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings Ltd (APE) reported revenue of just above HKD10.5 million (US$1.3 million) for full-year 2022, up 37.7 percent from the prior year. The firm...
Read More
Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism boss

Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism boss

Mar 27, 2023  

Raffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTO

Raffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTO

Mar 27, 2023  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”The data and evidence on hand all point to the same conclusion: enough is enough. It is time to ban offshore gaming operations in the Philippines, once and for all”

Sherwin Gatchalian

Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the Senate of the Philippines



Most Popular

  • Melco’s Studio City has foreigner-only bet zone: checksMelco’s Studio City has foreigner-only bet zone: checks March 27, 2023
  • Raffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTORaffles hotel checks complete at Galaxy Phase 3: MGTO March 27, 2023
  • Macau diversification into non-gaming to remain slow: FitchMacau diversification into non-gaming to remain slow: Fitch March 24, 2023
  • Philippine lawmaker wants POGOs shut within 3 monthsPhilippine lawmaker wants POGOs shut within 3 months March 27, 2023
  • Foreigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism bossForeigners can use HK-Macau free ticket says tourism boss March 27, 2023
Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us