Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN JUL 2020 44 Tomoyuki Yamamoto: Can you tell us more about the history of Casinos Austria? Akio Hayashi: Casinos Austria was founded in 1934, and we have been involved in 215 casino projects in 35 countries. The company is 34% owned by the state and has the know-how of developing 90 casino cruise ships, as well as a strong connection with Austrian culture and art. TY: What are your goals for expanding into Japan? AH: In the past, we have conducted our business in Europe, on the African continent, the American continents, in West Asia and Oceania. We have carefully considered expanding into East Asia for many years, and we already knew that when it happened, we wanted to be involved in a regional IR in Japan. TY: Why Nagasaki? AH: Nagasaki has a unique, long history of international cultural exchange for Japan. We have felt a kinship with the city of Sasebo in Nagasaki prefecture and have had our eye on it for over 10 years now. I’m sure you already know that Austria is one of only four countries in the world that has always maintained neutrality, and the headquarters of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is located in the capital of Vienna. This means the nation has high affinity with Nagasaki, a city that symbolizes peace. TY: What do you believe are the strengths of Casinos Austria? AH: Our strengths are results cultivated over many, many years and our rich knowledge. We also have a presence in 35 countries where we have, of course, cleared all regulations and succeeded in operations as well as becoming familiar with each of the local Casinos Austria’s portfolio includes Casino Copenhagen in Denmark. カジノオーストリアのポートフォリオにはデンマークのカジノコペンハーゲンが含まれる JAPAN