Caesars expects to obtain Japan’s casino licenses to be issued in 2020. “We appreciate the thoughtful process the government has undertaken to ensure the strongest regulatory environment and focus on creating resorts unique to Japanese culture,” told Jones Blackhurst to TotallyGaming.
“Assuming the legislation passes the upper house, we think the first licences might be awarded in late 2020 with first resorts opening in 2025,” she added.
Jones Blackhurst, a former two-time mayor of Las Vegas, was reacting to news that the lower chamber of the Japanese government had approved the integrated resorts bill last week, despite opposition from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
Concern was expressed that the proposed legislation contains only a proportional cap on floor area dedicated to gaming but no overall limit on resort floor area, meaning – in theory – that there would be no upper limit to the size of casino.
However, Jones Blackhurst suggested that Caesars is comfortable even if a limit is imposed. “Given the size of these large entertainment resorts, we are comfortable with the limited casino floor,” she said, adding: “Our primary focus is world-class entertainment.”
It is widely anticipated that the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Japanese Diet, will vote in favour of the IR bill, although it remains to be seen whether that will happen before the current legislative session runs out in mid-July.
Source: Source: GMB / CasinoBeats
