Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN MAR 2021 76 surviving candidates, with an integrity survey to be conducted in May by an independent research company, followed by a deadline in June for submission of secondary documents. A presentation will be required from each candidate in August, after which time the winning bid will be announced before the end of the month (as will the runner-up). Let’s take a look at the candidates (listed in phonetic order by Japanese name): OSHIDORI CONSORTIUM Oshidori International Development is the Japanese subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed financial services firm Oshidori International Holdings Ltd. Although a newcomer to the IR industry, it astutely announced last year the appointment of former MGM Resorts boss Alex Yemenidjian as CEO to lead the Japan bid. In January of this year they formed a partnership with US tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, seemingly strengthening their claim. Mohegan, incidentally, is currently putting a lot of effort into the far east, including the development of Inspire Korea in Incheon, South Korea (due to open in 2023). Rival operators have their eye on Oshidori, commenting, “Oshidori appears to have good balance from the perspectives of both financial strength and past achievement, and is definitely one of the top contenders.” CASINOS AUSTRIA INTERNATIONAL Established in 1968, Casinos Austria is partially government owned with the Austrian government holding a 33% share via holding company Österreichische Beteiligungs AG (ÖBAG). It operates JAPAN