Archive

_2021-03-25
The Nagasaki Prefectural Government continues to impress as being the only local government in Japan’s IR race that gives a clear impression that they know what they are doing.

_2021-03-23
VIP play had been projected to be a major segment of the potential overall Japanese gaming market, but a lot has changed since the law permitting integrated resorts was passed in 2018.

_2021-03-22
South Korea, which attracted significant interest when it first opened for foreign investors, is now seen as holding limited appeal unless the government agrees to relax its stance on local gaming.

_2021-03-21
Officials in the Primorye gambling zone have been on a public relations blitz in recent months, highlighting how projects are now pushing ahead and stressing there is no change in the long-term plans for 12 casino complexes.

_2021-03-18
This was a week in which those supporting and those opposing IR development in Yokohama marshaled their forces, organizing toward the decisive battle in August when the mayoral elections are scheduled to take place.

_2021-03-11
The administration of Mayor Fumiko Hayashi has begun efforts to persuade local residents to embrace IR development in Yokohama, but anyone looking for an inspiring public relations campaign will need to search elsewhere.

_2021-02-18
The Nagasaki Prefectural Government continues to distinguish itself as having the best managed bid in Japan’s IR development race, giving them a strong chance to become a licensed municipality.

_2021-02-08
China’s ongoing crackdown on casinos and junkets targeting its nationals may have long-term implications for the industry in Asia and force changes in the business models of many of the region’s integrated resorts.

_2021-01-21
Hope springs eternal in the minds of Tomakomai IR advocates. The answer delivered from the lips of Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki keeps coming back “no,” but what seems to be delivered to their ears is “maybe soon.”

_2021-01-18
While the gaming industry is focused on tourism numbers and movement restrictions, there are a number of shifting economic and social patterns emerging that could have longer-term implications for Asia’s integrated resort industry.

_2021-01-11
Macau is set to face its biggest test of the mantra “if you build it, they will come,” as Sands China’s $2 billion “The Londoner” gets set to open its doors after the worst year in modern records for the world’s largest gambling hub. 

_2021-01-07
As Japan sinks into a deeper crisis over the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be natural that it might be overlooked. Indeed, the sensitivity of Japanese policymakers to overseas developments is often tenuous at best. But for the future of Japanese IRs generally—and...