Inside Asian Gaming

MAY 2018 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 45 to understand the effects of IRs on local communities. Fear thrives in the shadows; presenting the facts about IR impacts experienced by scores of communities around the world and bringing casino gambling into the light of objective evidence can alleviate these fears. I’ve often said that casino gambling is only controversial in the places that don’t have casinos. As a two-term mayor of Las Vegas and as a senior executive for Caesars for two decades, I’ve seen first-hand around the world the economic stimulus that IRs can provide. I know how IRs generate tourism and stimulate capital investment. I know how much fun our shows, our restaurants, our spas and our nightclubs provide. And I know that the vast majority of our customers will enjoy casino gaming exactly as we intend it to be enjoyed – as a form of entertainment. Dispelling the myths about the effects of casinos is sometimes not easy. But again, there is a wealth of evidence, a plethora of real-world examples, demonstrating that gambling problems are confined to a small proportion of the population, and that this percentage typically doesn’t change after the introduction of IRs. Our job as operators is to be upfront about the programs we have in place to encourage responsible gaming and to make available experts and evidence so that local residents can make informed judgements about whether and how RG programs and IRs should be implemented in Japan. BB: Is there a Japan-specific approach that you believe should be taken in regards to RG practices? JJB: Most certainly there is. We’ve been adamant since the outset that IRs in Japan be truly Japan IRs – that while there are many examples from which IR developers can draw from, Japan IRs should reflect and be driven by Japanese culture and Japanese preferences. One size does not fit all when it comes to IR implementation. The situation is similar with respect to RG practices. Japanese authorities have embarked on a deliberate, thoughtful process to make sure RG programs are tailored to the Japanese context and sensibility. We applaud these efforts because they will ensure that IRs are sustainable in Japan over the long term. Similarly, Caesars understands that existing RG programs that have been proven effective in other jurisdictions cannot simply be translated and implemented. The design and delivery of programs must be created within the context of cultural norms and behaviors within a particular country; therefore, we are undertaking steps to culturally adapt the design and delivery of Caesars’ industry-leading responsible gaming program and materials to ensure that they are informed from a local perspective and tailored to the culture of Japan. Japan is unique compared to other markets considering casinos in that legal gaming already exists in various forms through pachinko/pachislots and various state sponsored gambling options such as horse racing. The discussion on bringing IRs to Japan has brought the already existing issue of problem gambling to the forefront of national discussions and the government and many civic groups are already taking strides to address a preexisting problem. Through utilizing the experience and knowledge that IR operators have built up through experience in various other markets, Japan is well positioned to address this preexisting problem and drive down prevalence rates.