As announced last week, Gaming Capital’s Mike Tanji is
scheduled to give an informative talk on the opening of the gaming market in
Japan. During this process, the Japanese government is focused on avoiding the
potential pitfalls of the gaming industry spurring illegal lending and problem
gambling.
As a tech-forward society, Japanese are already eager
consumers of cutting-edge entertainment interfaces, as well as their own nearly
century-old, slot machine-like game pachinko.
Technology, in addition to well-structured regulation, will
play an important role in building integrity into the Japanese market. Improved
surveillance technology will make it far easier for gaming companies know their
customers and their employees, with facial recognition allowing for cross-checking
of faces on the casino floor with databases of suspicious or prohibited
persons.
As Macau’s casinos have begun implementing cameras on ATMs
to prevent money laundering, gaming jurisdictions like Japan are watching and
learning from what works here.
Aside from security and regulation, technological
advancements present Japan with tantalizing entertainment possibilities. The
virtual reality capital of the world, Japan’s prowess in creating an immersive
and emotionally-engaging user experience sets the bar.
Gaming in the island nation will fuel increased interest in
mobile applications that engage customers with the full offerings of gaming
companies such as dining, hotel accommodations and shows.
Innovation and Interactive is the theme of this year’s MGS
Entertainment Show, and the new gaming market in Japan is a fascinating
laboratory for developing innovative and interactive entertainment offerings.
