Japan biometric control to benefit Melco

Lawmakers could use biometric technology to control gamblers visitation limits – giving Melco an edge.

Japan.- Casinos are close to being approved in Japan as the IR Implementation Bill is set to be voted on during the next few months. However, lawmakers are assessing different strategies to ensure regulations are followed to the letter, including some that could turn out to be beneficial for Melco Resorts in the competition for an IR license.

According to local media, the government could demand biometric technology be used to verify that weekly and monthly casino visitation limits are being adhered to. If it does set this requirement, Melco Resorts could potentially benefit as it would include cutting edge technology in its casino.

Last December, Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MRE) chairman Lawrence Ho met with Japanese officials and proposed building The City of the Future resort. It would include “the world’s most advanced facial recognition technology for enabling responsible gaming and security,” in addition to “back-end access to and data-sharing with these systems free of charge.”

That being said, should biometric technology be included in legislation, don’t be surprised if Melco ends up scoring a casino license.