Inside Asian Gaming

FEB 2019 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 33 2021 2024 2025 • Granting of casino licenses by Casino Administration Committee • Completion of inspections • First IR business opening • Remaining IR business openings • Osaka World Expo 2025 MGM Resorts International’s Chairman and CEO Jim Murren, Wynn Resorts’ Matt Maddox and Melco Resorts & Entertainment boss Lawrence Ho have all met with Matsui. MGM has even made the declaration that they are putting “Osaka First”. In general, it is widely believed that Osaka will host one of the three Japanese IRs to be built as part of this first batch. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has not yet, however, announced the basic policies that will apply to Japan’s IRs. Before local governments submit their official bids, there must first be a detailed cabinet order regarding the IR Implementation Act. For example, the international conference center and entertainment facility criteria need to be set, and there must be guidelines established regarding the quality of new hotels, amongst many other issues. There also needs to be specific numbers detailed in the cabinet order such as the maximum floor space of the gaming area and what monetary amounts will Japan’s parliament will initiate the Casino Administration Committee in July.