Global gambling operators are making strategic business maneuvers in Japan as they gear up for the bidding of the country’s first casino licenses.

Casino operators Genting Singapore Ltd. and Melco Resorts & Entertainment reaffirmed their interest in expanding their business footprint in Japan this week, just days after the country’s Diet enacted the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill.

In a disclosure to the Singapore Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Genting Singapore announced that it had incorporated five of its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries in Japan: Genting Japan Co., Ltd.; Genting Tokyo Co., Ltd.; Genting Osaka Co., Ltd.; Genting Yokohama Co., Ltd.; and Resorts World Yokohama Co., Ltd.

Genting Singapore, considered one of the main contenders for Japan casino license, said the incorporation was part of its preparation for the looming bidding wars.