Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was leading the push to bring IRs to Japan. However, following his resignation due to health issues, speculation regarding the future of IR increases with the absence of such a pivotal character. 

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his sudden resignation during a press conference stating: “We can’t afford any mistakes in important political decisions if my judgment is clouded by pain. I no longer have the capacity to confidently fulfil the role entrusted to me by the citizens, so I have decided I am no longer in a position to serve as Prime Minister.”

Abe continues stating: “I deeply apologize for resigning with so many policies left unfinished, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic”. Some of which include resolving the North Korean kidnapping issue and the peace treaty with Russia.

What wasn’t mentioned yet was very near to Abe, was his dream to develop the nation’s first Integrated Resorts (IRs) and for Japan to become an IR destination. There have been important steps towards achieving this goal including sealing deals with Galaxy Entertainment Group and the between partnership Pixel and Groupe Partouche.

Back in the beginning of August, the future of IRs in Japan looked uncertain as pandemic complications plagued proceedings. However, despite recent speculation regarding the future of IRs in Japan following the absence of its leading man, experts argue that they have an unwavering plan set to go forth with the IR policy.

Joji Kokuryo, managing director of Bay City Ventures in Yokohama told Inside Asian Gaming:

“This is already a national policy that has passed through the houses and has been enacted, so unless someone comes up with a new law that nullifies the previous law, the policy itself won’t change,” he said.

“Whether or not it proceeds is another story. Unless there is another majority party that takes over the central government in both the lower and upper houses, the policy itself will continue to move forward, be it slowly or fast.

“I don’t think we really need to worry too much about whether it will exist in the future. That is also based on the fact that there is no strong opposition party at the moment”.

About SiGMA Europe – Malta

SiGMA Group has announced the postponement of its Europe summit, which was planned to be held in Malta on 17-19 November 2020. The show will now open its doors early next year in February, running from the 16-18th, making it the first event to headline the 2021 gaming calendar.