Japan Press Weekly

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2020 January 29 - February 4 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Casino Expo held in Yokohama amid police investigations into casino bribery scandal

A large-scale trade fair for casino-centric amusement facilities took place in Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture amid ongoing police investigations into a casino-related bribery scandal. Near Pacifico Yokohama, the site of the event, demonstrators staged a protest action against casinos.

At the opening ceremony of the fair, event organizers seemed concerned about citizens' strong resistance to casino gambling, saying, "This is an opportunity to dispel the misconception that integrated resorts are casinos."

Six major casino operators had exhibits. All their displays seemed to have nothing to do with casinos at all and looked as if IR facilities were cheerful and enjoyable venues for entertainment.

Executives of the six companies touted IR businesses. Genting Singapore CEO Tan Hee Teck said, "IR isn't just a casino." Marina Bay Sands CEO George Tanasijevich said, "Without casinos, IR cannot start."

On the other hand, Melco Resorts & Entertainment CEO Lawrence Ho cancelled his planned visit to Japan.

In regards to this company, Tokyo prosecutors searched its branch in Japan in relation to the bribery case involving a casino and arrested Lower House lawmaker Akimoto Tsukasa (former Liberal Democratic Party member).

Past related articles:
> Extra-ministerial casino bureau set up amid bribery scandal [January 8, 2020]
> Yokohama mayor may need to know what Marx said about casinos [August 26, 2019]