Japanese cities demand fairer process

Japanese small cities do not agree with the current casino and resort licensing process.

Japan.- Small cities in Japan have also joined the bidding process to obtain an Integrated Resort (IR) license once the government ends the legislative plans to implement the new gaming law. However, experts believe the national project would not consider the possibility of allowing casino venues in small cities or rural areas.

When legislators approved the gaming bill, officials promised the new industry would boost the economic activity in rural areas and small cities. Rural areas of Japan have been disappointed as main casino companies have shown further interest in developing their business in the already settled cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama.

“We feel that metropolitan locations and regional locations cannot be combined into one basket,” stated Hard Rock International executive Daniel Cheng, according to AGBrief. “They should be separately classified and have separate criteria.” Cheng presented the company’s review during a meeting with the Japan Tourism Research Association last week.

Whilst international casino operators announced plans to develop the upcoming Japanese gaming industry, rural areas of the Asian country stated that potential venues in main cities dismiss the government’s promise of boosting the activities in the countryside. Considered as one of the possible most profitable markets worldwide, the Japanese casino market was approved to enhance the economic sector.