Japan Gaming Congress returning ahead of IR bid

An aspect of last year’s conference

The Japan Gaming Congress will return in 2018 with a conference at the Conrad Tokyo from May 10 to 11. Returning for its third year, the Congress is the largest event of its type in Japan focusing on the integrated resort industry, and attracts both local attendees and audiences from key international markets such as Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore.

Japan stands on the edge of game-changing casino legislation that could see the jurisdiction become an industry competitor on par with Macau, the world’s largest gaming hub. Some analysts put Japan’s market value at USD40 billion annually, significantly outstripping the USD33 billion in gross gaming revenue that Macau is on track to record this year.

According to organizer Clarion Gaming, the confirmed attendees for May’s Congress include Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts and Entertainment.

“With Japanese IRs [integrated resorts] nearing as an investment reality, there has never been a more exciting time to participate in the Japan Gaming Congress,” he said, according to a statement from Clarion Gaming.

“We are very happy to return to this important forum and deepen our dialogue with local business partners and the industry at large, and with them, pioneer the future of entertainment in Japan.”

Melco Resorts and Entertainment has expressed keen interest in investing in Japan on several occasions in recent years. Earlier this year, Ho said that there was no limit on how much the company was prepared to invest, describing it as a “priceless opportunity”.

The gaming operator is expected to face stiff competition from Sands China, Hard Rock Cafe and Alvin Chau’s Suncity, among others.

The event will see key Japanese authorities in attendance, including figures from the central government and several prefectures.

The 2018 conference will tackle a variety of subjects, including updates to the much-anticipated legislation related to problem gambling and general industry topics such as business procurement, non-gaming entertainment amenities, legal issues, and other issues of interest. DB