Gaming blossoms in Japan

by Michela Carboni

In May, 16 - 17, the Japan Gaming Congress, organized by Clarion Gaming, will start at the Conrad Tokyo. Eyes on the new casino regulation

May, focus on cashwinning gaming in Japan. In May, 16 - 17, the Japan Gaming Congress, organized by Clarion Gaming, is held at Conrad Tokyo. A two-day forum, offering practical insights and understanding of casino legislation in Japan, also providing an in-depth view of what it takes to create a successful Integrated Resort (Ir). But what are the news of the upcoming event? We asked it to Sadie Walters, Head of Content of Clarion Events. “This is the first time which we have seen Jgc post implementation bill, in fact we have already seen some fundamental policy updates from government around Mice space, casino advertising and the selections process. We In

have seen some of the operators have expressed their relationships already with certain prefectures and partnerships, however the decision are yet to be made on who will win those licenses and in which prefectures. Jgc will host all of the international Ir operators in the running to enter the Japanese market as well as some of the nongaming aspects such as entertainment, technology, fine dining and financing. Key speakers will come from Wolfgang Puck, Shochiku, Mgm, Marin Bay Sands, Galaxy, Melco, Lucien barrier, SJM and Hardrock International”. What are you focusing on, to attract visitors? “We are looking at the 8 pillars of strategy which we believe are now the main areas of focus for the whole in

SUBJECTS AT STAKE

Key gaming operators are competing for their share in a potential market that is worth $40 billion. Jgc will offer the opportunity to stakeholders to join key government officials, global gaming groups, builders, financial institutions and legal experts to get first-hand advice and experience on the proposed regulatory frameworks, helping them plan the strategy to enter the Japanese market. Some of the topics covered in this two days will be: policy and regulation; investment and finance; integrated resorts (conference sponsored by Melco Resorts); Japan brand; economy and tourism (sponsored by Wynn Resorts); social impact and local development; gaming consumers and the next generation.

dustry, including government these are policy & regulation, integrated resorts, finance and investment, brand, economic impact and partnerships & consortiums. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers that are both local to Japan and internationally”. Jgc’s focus on policy and regulation will help delegates understand the latest developments in legislation and the impact on integrated resort preparations, as well as take into consideration government goals and what the effects of Osaka 2025 on the timeline will be. What kind of market is that of gaming in Japan? “Gaming in Japan will come in the form of an integrated resort. The central government have already specified that the gaming floor will be just 3% of the total space, however with a potentially huge scale of site, the gaming side will still remain as a hugely profitable part of the proposition”. To what extent are European companies present? “Jgc is very much an international event, with the main bulk of attendees coming locally from Japan. We will have European casino influence from the likes of Lucien Barrier and Monaco”.