Yokohama RFP Shortlisted Operators Touted To Be Melco & Genting
Yokohama is putting in a bid to be one of the three prefectures in Japan to win the rights to host an integrated resort casino.
Yokohama put out a request for proposal (RFP) inviting interested casino operators to submit a draft proposal outlining what they will bring to the table in terms of investment, infrastructure and services if they were given a casino license.
Yokohama is expected to receive the final RFPs between June 1 to June 11 and then will review the same and make a decision as to which casino operator has the best proposal.
Yokohama will then recommend use this RPF as part of its pitch to the Japanese government to vie for the rights to host an integrated casino.
Genting Singapore
While Yokohama is yet to release an official statement and confirm which casino operators have been shortlisted so far, NHK which is a public broadcaster in Japan has stated that the two shortlisted operators are Melco Resorts and Genting Singapore.
Genting Singapore is a part of the Malaysian conglomerate Genting Bhd and is responsible for operating Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. NHK reported that Genting Singapore had partnered with Japanese operator Sega Sammy Holdings Inc, to bid for an integrated license. Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. had earlier stated that it was interested in obtaining an integrated casino license in Japan but made it clear that it would partner with an international casino operator as it only wanted to be a minority stake holder.
Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. is also part of a non-gaming Japanese resort and is also a minority shareholder with the Paradise City casino resort which is situated in Incheon, South Korea. Genting Singapore and Sega Sammy have reportedly chosen popular Japanese construction company Kajima Corp to be the construction company for their integrated resort casino.
Melco Resorts And Entertainment
Melco Resorts is one of the biggest casino operators in Macau and is run by billionaire Lawrence Ho. The casino operator also has a presence in Cyprus and the Philippines. Melco Resorts is looking to expand its presence in Asia and is keen on launching in Japan.
Melco Resorts sent in its RFP without partnering with any local company in Japan and named Taisei Corp as its main construction company should it be awarded an integrated license.
Some of the casino operators that pulled out of the Yokohama RFP process include local operator Shotoku Corp and Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.
David WalkerAuthor
David is our resident 'down under' contributor, letting us know what is going on in the southern hemisphere, he is also keen blackjack player
