• 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

Okada firm says Universal Ent out to smear own founder

Aug 10, 2018 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Rest of Asia, Top of the deck  


Okada firm says Universal Ent out to smear own founder

Casino equipment maker Aruze Gaming America Inc has accused Japanese gaming conglomerate Universal Entertainment Corp and some of the latter’s senior executives of trying to “destroy” entrepreneur Kazuo Okada (pictured), the founder of both companies, via smear and innuendo.

Aruze Gaming made the accusation in a written statement issued on Thursday after Mr Okada and his staff had acknowledged to GGRAsia on Monday that the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong had last week detained him, interviewed him and then let him go after he posted a bond and surrendered his passport.

Aruze Gaming’s statement said that Universal Entertainment – in issuing on Monday a filing on the ICAC matter and using the term “arrested” to describe what had happened – was attempting to prejudice public opinion against the Japanese businessman.

According to Aruze Gaming, Mr Okada had voluntarily attended by appointment, and had not been charged “either by the ICAC or any other law enforcement agencies in any countries” with any crime.

The process applied to Mr Okada was “detention” which under the legal powers granted to the ICAC is different from “arrest”, according to that body’s website.

“We expect that most people reading the sensational news about Mr Okada do not have a proper understanding of the ICAC’s process in Hong Kong,” said Aruze Gaming.

“It is believed that Universal Entertainment’s intention is to destroy Mr Okada and break up his family,” asserted Aruze Gaming.

In its Monday filing, Universal Entertainment said it understood that Mr Okada had been “arrested by the ICAC in relation to various corruptions related [sic] offences”. The Japanese conglomerate said at the time that it had “no further connection” with the businessman.

“We will render our full support and assistance to the ICAC and other law enforcement authorities should the situation require,” said Universal Entertainment.

In its Thursday announcement Aruze Gaming said the speed with which Universal Entertainment had issued a statement about Mr Okada’s encounter with Hong Kong’s graft buster was part of a “pattern of repeated attempts” to discredit him.

Aruze Gaming added, referring to Universal Entertainment’s current senior management: “They hope most people reading the latest reports will not understand the details and will simply gain a negative impression of Mr Okada. We reiterate that no criminal charges have been filed. The investigation process will provide the opportunity for the truth to come out.”

Mr Okada and his staff had told GGRAsia on Monday that his predicament was due to what they termed “groundless” allegations in an investigation commissioned by the managers of Universal Entertainment – a company from which he is now estranged – regarding suspicions that he defrauded the business of millions of U.S. dollars.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Fitch flags Universal Ent founder spat, upgrade on Manila IR
    Fitch flags Universal Ent founder spat,...

    May 20, 2022  

  • Order to restore Kazuo Okada unclear, vague: Tiger Resort
    Order to restore Kazuo Okada unclear,...

    May 18, 2022  

More news
  • Manila Westside launch aim still 2024: Suntrust
    Manila Westside launch aim still 2024:...

    May 23, 2022  

  • L&W says plugged in to ETG needs of players, casinos
    L&W says plugged in to ETG needs...

    May 23, 2022  


Latest News

Manila Westside launch aim still 2024: Suntrust

Manila Westside launch aim still 2024: Suntrust

May 23, 2022  

The year 2024 is still the targeted start date for operation of a five-star hotel and casino complex at the Westside City Project (pictured in an artist’s rendering) in Manila, the Philippine...
Read More
L&W says plugged in to ETG needs of players, casinos

L&W says plugged in to ETG needs of players, casinos

May 23, 2022  

Review saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau Legend

Review saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau Legend

May 23, 2022  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”We anticipate being live with iGaming products in two jurisdictions in the U.S. by the end of calendar year 2022"

Trevor Croker

Chief executive and managing director of Aristocrat Leisure



Most Popular

  • Foreign tourists can get S.Korean peninsula visa from June 1Foreign tourists can get S.Korean peninsula visa from June 1 May 20, 2022
  • Review saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau LegendReview saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau Legend May 23, 2022
  • Crown Resorts’ shareholders nod Blackstone bidCrown Resorts’ shareholders nod Blackstone bid May 20, 2022
  • Wynn CEO, Macau execs in base pay cut in return for sharesWynn CEO, Macau execs in base pay cut in return for shares May 17, 2022
Copyright 2014-2022 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us