Melco opens shop in Osaka

The company opened an office in Osaka and confirmed its interest in developing an IR in Yumeshima.

Japan.- Integrated resorts (IR) are one of the hottest topics in the casino industry worldwide and companies continue to make moves to get in position to bid once regulation is ready. Such is the case of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Japan, which has opened an office in Osaka and confirmed its interest in developing its own venue in Yumeshima.

The company had a reception for the Osaka business community as it plans to demonstrate its MelGuard security system, scale models of its casino facilities in neighbouring countries and all its potential for a casino in the country. During the event, leader of Melco’s Japan operation, Ako Shiraogawa, said: “We will make the necessary investments even if severe conditions are imposed and the world’s strictest regulations are put in place.”

According to Japanese brokerage Nomura, Japan will likely pass its Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill during the second half of this year or the first half of 2019. “While the latest consensus could pave the way for a possible passing of the Implementation Bill before the end of the current parliamentary session on June 20th, we believe the more likely scenario is that the bill is passed in second half 2018, first half 2019,” analysts said.