Casino companies aim at Yokohama

Seven IR operators are participating in an RFC process as they try to land their permit for a casino development in Yokohama should the government choose it.

Japan.- The gaming industry will soon expand in Japan and most of the largest jurisdictions want a piece of it. That’s why casino companies are looking forward to getting a Yokohama development, by Yamashita Pier.

The municipal government revealed that seven IR operators are involved in its RFC (request for comments) process. Galaxy, Genting, Melco, Sands, Sega Sammy, and Wynn had already voiced their interest in the region. However, there is an undisclosed seventh player involved.

All casino operators will file with the government of Yokohama their concept proposals before December 23. Then, in the first quarter of 2020, they’ll discuss the projects.

Sands push for a casino in Yokohama

The upcoming casino industry has the most notorious developers fighting for Japan. Las Vegas Sands is looking forward to landing a Yokohama development and may invest heavily there.

“I think €11 billion is the starting point,” President and COO Robert Goldstein said during an earnings conference call. “I don’t think anybody’s going to do for less than €11 billion unless you’re going to do something sub-par.”

“You know we have the balance sheet and the capability and the skill set to do it,” he added. “Question is, can we get a return [on] that?” Goldstein asked on Sands plans for Yokohama, as quoted by AGBrief.