ICE unveiled the huge potential of the Japanese market

In the framework of an ICE 2016’s seminar, attendees learnt that the Asian country is considering a plan to introduce Integrated Resorts in Japan.

UK.- ICE Totally Gaming has proved its power as a policy shaper event in the gaming industry worldwide. This was evident once again when prominent personalities of the gaming industry in Japan shared their insights at the ExCel. Japanese political leaders are willing to undertake a long-term plan to introduce Integrated Resorts (IRs) into the country.

According to Yoshiko ‘Mimi’ Koga from JTOP there are 50,000 active poker players in Japan, competing in tournaments operated by Japan Poker Association, which received government’s approval.  “They are hungry to win at the tournaments, but there are no payouts and the Japan Poker Association is a non-profit organisation,” she explained. “Of course, due to delays in the bill being introduced, many people play at non-payout casinos and many are tempted to go to underground casinos. Hopefully the government can steer towards a positive development in this regard in the future.”

Furthermore, Mike Tanji from Gaming Capital Management believes the IR bill may be passed by the end of 2016. “The reason why it’s getting delayed is the prioritisation of various policies,” he said. “It is not easy to forecast when the Cabinet might discuss the IR issue.”