Melco still hoping for an IR licence in Japan
Lawrence Ho, Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO, has said he sees Japan as “the best potential new gaming market globally.”
Japan.- Melco Resorts chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho has said the company remains committed to seeking IR license in Japan.
Speaking during Melco’s results announcement for 2020 Q4, Ho said: “Japan remains very much on the company’s radar but added the company is looking to pursue the right opportunity.”
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited was one of seven companies that participated in the original request for concept process in Yokohama in 2019, when the city first called for bidders.
However, Ho made no reference to Yokohama, since there is still no clear picture regarding the city’s plans.
Ho added: “Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the process in Japan has been delayed and remains complex but has renewed momentum as jurisdictions are again initiating RFP processes.”
Although current mayor Fumiko Hayashi expect the IR bid to go ahead, she has to confirm if she will run for a third term in office in August’s mayoral elections. An anti-IR candidate plans to challenge the incumbent with a promise to end Yokohama’s casino plans.
