“We will shortlist candidates by starting to assess their plans and willingness to invest early next year,” said Matsui in a report published by Japanese news agency Kyodo.
The comments by the Osaka governor were reportedly made following a meeting with the president and chief operating officer of U.S.-based casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp, Robert Goldstein. The mayor of Osaka, Hirofumi Yoshimura, is also said to have attended the meeting.
Osaka has consistently voiced support for hosting a so-called integrated resort (IR). Up to three such venues will be permitted at yet-to-be determined locations across the country under a first wave of casino liberalisation.
The locations are set to be selected via a process including pitches to be made to central government by local authorities, in tandem with their respective private-sector partners. The national government wants by July next year to announce the policy framework under which those local governments can make such pitches to the national authorities.
Reuters news agency reported in August that “at least” eight casino firms were courting Osaka as a site for a casino resort. Executives from 11 casino companies met Matsui for “courtesy calls” 25 times between 2012 and May 2018, reported Reuters, citing prefectural records.
In Osaka, the government has identified casino business as a way to boost the local economy via taxation, job and infrastructure creation and increased inbound tourism. Such a venue would probably be located on an artificial island called Yumeshima, translated in English as “Dream Island”.
Japanese brokerage Nomura has said that if Osaka were successful in its respective bids to hold the World Expo 2025 and to host one of Japan’s first casino resorts, that would have a “positive impact” on the economy of the Japanese city.
Las Vegas Sands is seen by several analysts as a leading candidate to get one of the initial casino licences in Japan. Sheldon Adelson, the firm’s chairman and chief executive, said in July his company was “looking forward” to pursuing what would be “a unique opportunity” in Japan.
Source: GMB / GGR Asia
