Breaking News: Tokyo Taylor's Vegas Dreams Heat Up
Expansion in Casino Sector: Additional Proposals for Casinos in Japan Predicted by 2027
Last updated: May 6, 2025, 06:49h.
Todd Shriber @etfgodfather
On the tables tonight: financial, casino business, and mergers & acquisitions.
Rumors swirl in the Land of the Rising Sun as Tokyo plans to hop in the high-roller's saddle, shooting for a casino home base. Let's see if it'sladies' night or bust!
Japan's Casino Swing Shifts into High Gear
With the government dialing up efforts to bring the casino boom of 2018 back on track, Japan could soon see two more integrated resorts in its roster by the end of 2027. The drums of expansion start rolling as MGM Osaka's construction continues at a brisk pace.
The rumor mill's been buzzing that the Japanese government's searching for avenues to cash in on the 2018 law paving the way for casino hotels, that's allowed aclue atmost three in the nation. Speaking of clues, MGM Osaka's the onlypermit-wielding honest Johny out there.
But wait, looks like Tokyo wants to shake off its sleepy past and go full-throttle Vegas! The capitol city–one of the biggest metropolitan hotspots globally–plans to throw its hat in the ring. As they say, when in Rome...or in Tokyo...
Tokyo: The Showstopper of the Show
When Japan's gambling game kicked off back in 2019, Tokyo was the A-list VIP none could resist. With over 37 million peeps calling the greater Tokyo area home, making it a mecca for casino venues, it's no wonder why.
But don't count your chips yet, folks! Tokyo's been a finicky flirt; historically, it's had issues giving casino green lights. So, gaming giants started eyeing Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, as a backup plan. But Yokohama's been on a first-name basis with FOMO.
However, if Tokyo embraces the home gaming advantage, everyone better step up their bids! Think about it: Macau and Singapore have already shut the doors on licensing for years to come. That leaves Tokyo as a gold-standard opportunity for global casino operators, ready to crack open their piggy banks!
Hokkaido: The Wild Card
Sure, Tokyo makes headlines, but Hokkaido packs a punch, too. The Pacific prefecture boasts a population of 5.1 million, not far from many US cities hosting casinos.
No tomato cans here, folks! Big names like Hard Rock International, Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment (MGE), and Rush Street Japan have shown interest in Hokkaido in the past. But remember, in poker, it's important to know when to fold, especially if the opposition nags about the impact on the natural environment, and internal politics don't play nice, as in Hokkaido's case.
In short: Tokyo's got its poker face on, but don't underestimate this beauty contest. A new round of bidding could break out, attracting global gambling giants ready to dance with Japan's economic juggernaut - on the condition Tokyo's willing to bare it all and open its doors to the house of casino dreams, that is.
Remember, when you're in the casino of life, the house always wins, so know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, and let the dealer decide when to walk away and leave your soul to the wheel.
Sources:
- 2022 Clashing Ideals Drive Japanese Casino Debate Gaming Compliance. Accessed May 6, 2025.
- Hokkaido Said to Back Away From Casino Bid Amid Opposition BloombergQuint. Accessed May 6, 2025.
- Japan Casino Operators Show Rising Optimism as Deadline Nears Wall Street Journal. Accessed May 6, 2025.
- Gambling operators keen on Tokyo casino with no real obstacles left Japan Times. Accessed May 6, 2025.
Tokyo's potential entry into the commercial gaming scene could create a stir in the Asia Pacific gaming industry, potentially opening another lucrative market for global operators. Rumors are circulating about the Japanese government's efforts to explore the possibility of incorporating sports betting into this venture, which could add a whole new dimension to the gaming scene.
