Japan’s Chance Of Casino Resorts Gone

It seems that the recent resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has spelt the end of Integrated Casino Resorts in the country for the foreseeable future.

The shock departure of the main supporter of casino resorts in the country has now gone and whoever it will be to take over later this month is not certain to want to continue what is not a popular topic with the Japanese public.

Indeed more than 50% of the public are strongly against casinos being legalised even if it would generate more tax and create jobs, the majority of the public see the dangers of problem gambling a greater risk.

Many now are questioning if Las Vegas Sands and its boss Sheldon Adelson who were the strong favourites for an Integrated Resort pulled out of the running s few months ago knew more than they were saying. The company quoted for leaving the race for a resort as negative taxing by the government and the possibility that any return would take longer than expected.

Wynn Resort and Genting followed suit and also left the race for Japan which only a couple of years ago was quoted a becoming worth $40 billion a year to operators and challenging Macau. That now seems a long way off with the Prime Minster who pushed for them gone and an incoming Prime Minister unsure if the idea now is a good one.

Even when Japan launched the Integrate Resort race some observers were sure that it would not go to plan, well nobody knew the COVID-19 would also add to the problems and with any sight of a resort happening in this decade with the departure of Shinzo Abe the chance could now be gone forever.