Global gaming industry all abuzz about Japan Gaming Congress

It’s all about getting a slice of Japan’s nascent casino industry.

More than 420 industry executives and policymakers are trooping to the land of the rising sun for the upcoming Japan Gaming Congress (JgC) at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo (May 10-11). The objective: get a glimpse of what Japan has in mind for the development of its so-called integrated resorts.

After passing the landmark bill that will make casino gambling legal in the country last year, the Japanese government is already hard at work on the second IR bill, which will focus on how to drive foreign tourism to the country a la Singapore. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants the legislation submitted by third quarter of 2017.

Earlier this month, the prime minister reiterated his support for casino legalization in the country, telling the newly-formed IR regulatory legislation task force: “The world’s highest standards or casino regulations will be introduced, and policies to deal with issues like gambling addition will be addressed.”