• 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
  • Features
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Nagasaki stalls casino RFP over pandemic, Abe not mentioned

Sep 01, 2020 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Top of the deck  


Nagasaki stalls casino RFP over pandemic, Abe not mentioned

Nagasaki’s request-for-proposal (RFP) process for that Japanese prefecture’s tilt at hosting a casino resort, has been postponed indefinitely, a local official confirmed to GGRAsia on Tuesday.

In a message to GGRAsia, the Nagasaki prefectural government noted it would decide later, an “appropriate time” for launching the RFP process, but said preparation work for an IR scheme would still go on.

A Monday announcement had mentioned the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions as reasons for halting the RFP. There was no mention of the resignation on Friday as prime minister, of Shinzo Abe, whose government had steered the casino liberalisation policy.

Nagasaki is the latest in a number of local-authority suitors for a casino complex, or integrated resort (IR) as they are known in Japan, to announce a pause in their casino ambitions. Yokohama and Osaka did so even before Mr Abe stepped down.

Nagasaki had previously indicated the RFP process could be launched before summer ended. It now says casino resort operators – the sort of entities that could eventually become a private-sector partner for the prefecture, as per a requirement of Japan’s liberalisation process – had suggested the postponement. Such operators reportedly cited the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and travel restrictions that limit their opportunities for on-site visits in Japan.

Land at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo city has been earmarked by Nagasaki as the site for an IR project. Three companies had previously confirmed to GGRAsia their respective intention to participate in Nagasaki’s RFP process. They were: Japan’s Current Corp; a Japan unit of Casinos Austria International Holding GmbH; and Hong Kong-listed Oshidori International Holdings Ltd.

Osaka prefecture and city, confirmed last week a pause for its casino RFP. Subsequently on Friday, the mayor of Osaka and the governor of Osaka prefecture respectively suggested that provided Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) stays at the centre of national government, then the resignation of Shinzo Abe on Friday, as the country’s prime minister, should not derail Japan’s introduction of casinos.

Banking group Nomura said in a Friday memo, offering commentary on Mr Abe’s departure, that were Yoshihide Suga, the chief cabinet secretary under Mr Abe – and touted in some quarters as a successor – to take over the top job, the casino policy would in likelihood remain in place.

A number of Japanese news outlets have reported that Mr Suga was expected to put himself forward as Mr Abe’s replacement.

On August 19, the mayor of Yokohama, spoke of an indefinite delay in issuing the local implementation policy on the casino resort initiative, citing the fact the national government had not yet issued its own so-called basic policy on IRs.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Bloomberry posts positive 4Q EBITDA, rev up 31pct q-o-q
    Bloomberry posts positive 4Q EBITDA,...

    Mar 09, 2021  

  • UA Galaxy Cinemas normal as HK ops cease: Galaxy Ent
    UA Galaxy Cinemas normal as HK ops...

    Mar 08, 2021  

More news
  • GLI boss Maida hosting web interviews with casino experts
    GLI boss Maida hosting web interviews...

    Mar 09, 2021  

  • NagaCorp posts US$102mln profit in 2020 despite pandemic
    NagaCorp posts US$102mln profit in...

    Mar 09, 2021  


Latest News

GLI boss Maida hosting web interviews with casino experts

GLI boss Maida hosting web interviews with casino experts

Mar 09, 2021  

Gaming technology testing service and consultancy, Gaming Laboratories International LLC, known as GLI, is to launch on Thursday (March 11) a series of online interviews featuring its president and...
Read More
NagaCorp posts US$102mln profit in 2020 despite pandemic

NagaCorp posts US$102mln profit in 2020 despite pandemic

Mar 09, 2021  

Bloomberry posts positive 4Q EBITDA, rev up 31pct q-o-q

Bloomberry posts positive 4Q EBITDA, rev up 31pct q-o-q

Mar 09, 2021  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Partners

Pick of the Day

“Our recovery is well under way. We look forward to a more meaningful improvement in 2021 should we see further easing of domestic quarantine restrictions and the eventual resumption of travel and tourism across our key markets"

Enrique Razon

Chairman and chief executive of Bloomberry Resorts



Most Popular

  • Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock awardLim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award March 2, 2021
  • Las Vegas Sands to sell off Nevada assets for US$6.25blnLas Vegas Sands to sell off Nevada assets for US$6.25bln March 3, 2021
  • Pansy Ho again cuts stake in MGM Resorts, for US$57mlnPansy Ho again cuts stake in MGM Resorts, for US$57mln March 4, 2021
  • LVS plans to keep U.S. base, stock listing: spokesmanLVS plans to keep U.S. base, stock listing: spokesman March 4, 2021
  • Fitch says LVS Nevada sale a negative, Moody’s keenerFitch says LVS Nevada sale a negative, Moody’s keener March 5, 2021
Copyright 2014-2021 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us