• 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

Melco Resorts cooperating with Japan casino probe: Reuters

Jan 30, 2020 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Top of the deck  


Melco Resorts cooperating with Japan casino probe: Reuters

Asian casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd is reportedly cooperating with authorities in Japan as they enquire into a casino bribery scandal in that country. So reported news agency Reuters, citing an unnamed source.

The bribery scandal includes allegations against Tsukasa Akimoto, a former ruling-party member and lawmaker, over claims of casino lobbying by Chinese online gaming firm 500.com Ltd.

GGRAsia contacted Melco Resorts last week about reports that its Tokyo offices had been visited by local prosecutors amid the casino bribery scandal. We did not receive any reply by the time this story went online.

Reuters’ source stated that Japanese authorities had visited Melco Resorts’ Tokyo office on January 17, but no one was there at the time. The news agency did not elaborate on Melco Resorts’ role in the ongoing investigation.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described last week the state of arrest of Mr Akimoto as “very regrettable”. But Mr Abe said the policy for integrated resorts – or “IRs” as casino complexes with tourism facilities are known in Japan – would still be pursued, on the basis it was an economic stimulant aimed at boosting inbound tourism to the country.

Japan’s national government said last week that it would now make public only in February or March its so-called “basic policy” on IRs.

One reason was the wish to insert into the basic policy a new rule concerning communication between gaming-sector operators and government officials in Japan.

Nonetheless according to GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent, despite the latest announcement, Japan’s central authorities plan to stick to a previously-mentioned schedule for the application period during which local governments can seek the right to host such a resort. That has been proposed previously as from early January, 2021, up to July 30 that year.

A maximum of three IRs will be permitted nationally under a first phase of market liberalisation.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Macau 2023 mass GGR at least 60pct of 2019: S&P
    Macau 2023 mass GGR at...

    Jan 11, 2023  

  • Melco Resorts to pay special bonus to non-mgmt Macau staff
    Melco Resorts to pay special bonus to...

    Jan 10, 2023  

More news
  • Donaco posts US$1.3mln 4Q EBITDA, flags positive outlook
    Donaco posts US$1.3mln 4Q EBITDA, flags...

    Jan 31, 2023  

  • Tak Chun execs knew illicit to settle proxy in Macau: trial
    Tak Chun execs knew illicit to settle...

    Jan 31, 2023  


Latest News

Donaco posts US$1.3mln 4Q EBITDA, flags positive outlook

Donaco posts US$1.3mln 4Q EBITDA, flags positive outlook

Jan 31, 2023  

Border-casino operator Donaco International Ltd reported quarterly earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of AUD1.78 million (US$1.25 million) for the fourth...
Read More
Tak Chun execs knew illicit to settle proxy in Macau: trial

Tak Chun execs knew illicit to settle proxy in Macau: trial

Jan 31, 2023  

Chinese comeback limited impact on Singapore IRs: bank

Chinese comeback limited impact on Singapore IRs: bank

Jan 31, 2023  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day


US$1.08 billion

Total income for 2022 reported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp



Most Popular

  • Available Macau casino tables busy at tail of CNY holsAvailable Macau casino tables busy at tail of CNY hols January 27, 2023
  • Almost half million visitors to Macau for 7 days of CNY holsAlmost half million visitors to Macau for 7 days of CNY hols January 30, 2023
  • Macau visitor momentum kept for post CNY weekendMacau visitor momentum kept for post CNY weekend January 30, 2023
  • Macau CNY mass GGR maybe 60pct plus of CNY 2019: JPMMacau CNY mass GGR maybe 60pct plus of CNY 2019: JPM January 31, 2023
Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us