According to a Sunday report from Inside Asian Gaming, the final section of the so-called ‘Basic Policy’ document lays out the specific rules for how public officials may now meet with representatives from any of the prospective host communities in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The source detailed that such discussions involving multiple national and local figures will now be required to take place within government buildings with attendees obliged to follow measures to prevent the spread of the potentially-deadly ailment.
The government has set protocols for meeting with local governments and operators that will host a casino as well as measures for preventing the spread of disease. The national government will now accept casino plans from local governments from October of next year to April 2022.
The government of Japan reportedly released the main portion of its ‘Basic Policy’ document in October following a pair of lengthy delays prompted by the emergence of bribery allegations involving legislator Tsukasa Akimoto and the subsequent arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.
Communities hoping to win one of the three licenses to build and operate a Las Vegas-style development will now purportedly be required to satisfy five evaluation criteria including that any such coming project be internationally attractive and feature a clear concept that is competitive in size, design and quality.
In addition to a requirement that any future Japanese integrated casino resort agree to invest a sizeable amount of returns back into its host community, the source reported that these rules also mandate that such developments take measures to eliminate any unpleasant impacts such as crime and problem gambling, have a positive economic effect and be run by a financially stable enterprise.
Included in the policy is a lack of a tax on foreigners’ winnings. Osaka, Yokohama, Wakayama and Nagasaki are all vying for a licence. Casinos are expected to open in the late 2020s.
Melco Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting Singapore and Wynn Resorts are interested in Yokohama. MGM Resorts has interest in Osaka. Suncity and Clairvest are participating in the Wakayama casino bid while Nagasaki received interest from Casinos Austria, Current Corp and Oshidori International.
Source: GMB / World Casino Directory
