United States-based casino games maker Konami Gaming Inc says it has become the “first” gaming equipment manufacturer to submit licence applications with the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC), marking what the company described as a “milestone” in the country’s emerging integrated resort (IR) market.
“Konami is the first manufacturer to file across all applicable licence categories,” the supplier said in a Wednesday press release.
Konami Gaming, a unit of Japan’s Konami Group Corp, also stated it was the first supplier to submit applications across all applicable manufacturer licence categories established by that country’s regulator.
Its licensing submissions come as construction continues on Japan’s first IR with casino, MGM Osaka, which is scheduled to open in 2030. The project, led by MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corp, is currently the country’s only approved casino resort.
In its Wednesday statement, Konami Gaming said its licensing applications reflected the brand’s commitment to participating in Japan’s regulated casino market from its earliest stages.
“Konami’s early filing demonstrates our commitment and readiness to engage constructively with Japan’s regulatory framework from the outset,” stated Lori Olk, senior vice president and chief compliance officer at Konami Gaming.
“We have approached this process with a focus on transparency, preparation, and alignment with the stringent standards established by the JCRC,” she added.
JCRC is responsible for licensing casino operators and suppliers under the country’s IR implementation framework.
Konami Gaming said it had invested “significant resources” in localisation, documentation and operational planning, to ensure compliance with Japan’s “legal, regulatory and cultural” requirements.
Tom Jingoli, president and chief operating officer of Konami Gaming, said the submission involved a coordinated effort “across multiple business units and jurisdictions”.
“As Japan continues to expand its IR framework, Konami remains focused on supporting regulatory objectives and partnering with stakeholders to deliver compliant, high-quality gaming solutions tailored to the needs of the Japanese market,” he stated.
