Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN AUG 2020 78 E ver since it was decided that integrated resorts would grace the islands of Japan, the “casino” part of the equation has sparked active debate. The fact that casinos represent the driving engine of IRs is the main issue all of Japan’s opposition groups have in common. These opposition exercises are largely focused on concerns over gambling addiction and disruption to public safety. Naturally, some of the opposition are organizations and groups who oppose the country’s IR plans due to political inclinations. However, it is insightful to delve a little deeper into how individual candidate prefectures are responding to the concerns issued by anti-casino groups. In the case of Wakayama, which has already launched its RFP process with current candidates Suncity Group and Canadian investment firm Clairvest Group, officials recently responded to a public inquiry letter sent by “Stop! Casino Wakayama Group” in May. Following is a summary of the key questions and answers. Question: Wakayama boasts history and natural resources like Mt Koya and the Kumano Kodo that have increasingly attracted foreign tourists. Casinos are the exact opposite of these. Won’t the impression of being a casino town damage our reputation? Answer: Customer remitting facilities, which make up the structure of an IR, will provide necessary JAPAN “We aim to meet the public interest through profits from a healthy casino business operated with the proper monitoring and controls of the central government.” 「適切な国の監視、管理下で運営される健全な カジノ事業の収益により、公益の実現を目指す」