Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: The implications of a casino monopoly in Japan

Friday 29th of December 2023

Financial concerns behind gov't decision to bar Nagasaki IR proposal

Good Morning. Pass Go and collect a couple billion dollars. Monopoly, the name of the game for multiple gaming jurisdictions in Asia, a club that Japan is now joining. Following the government's decision to reject plans for an IR in Nagasaki, expert Daniel Cheng points out exactly how the nation got here, and what possible implications it could have. Meanwhile, in Macau, hopes are for visitation to continue, driving government revenue to new heights in 2024. This comes as casino-related exports in the gaming hub increased steadily in November. But not all is rosy in China, as authorities call for an increased crackdown on stablecoins, amongst continued scrutiny of the crypto space.
_{The team at AGB wishes everyone a Happy 2024! We will return with more updates on January 2nd.}

What you need to know

Casino monopoly in Japan is a result of political maneuvering and equity concerns, as Nagasaki bid fails: expert Daniel Cheng.

On the radar

Macau government revenue could reach $13.6 bln if visitor volume continues.
Casino-related exports in Macau up 200pct y-o-y in November.
Chinese government calls for increased crackdown on use of stablecoins.

AGB Intelligence

JAPAN

A new Asian casino monopoly is born

The recent decision by Japanese authorities to shoot down a proposed IR project in Nagasaki is sending shockwaves across the industry, but the ripples have been anticipated. Expert Daniel Cheng notes how unlikely it was that the second IR proposal in the country would move forward, given the political climate, and the implications a casino monopoly could have both for the operator in Osaka and the nation.

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