Caesars forms heavyweight Advisory Committee to lead Japan bid

US gambling operator Caesars Entertainment is increasing its focus on winning a Japan ‘integrated resorts’ licence, forming a strategic ‘Japan Advisory Committee’.

Global gambling stakeholders are closely monitoring Japan movements, as the Shinzo Abe government drafts the new ‘Integrated Resorts’ bill, allowing for Japan’s first casinos to be operated in ‘selected large-scale’ leisure complexes, which will cater for hotels, gaming and retail spaces.

Seeking to gain a strategic advantage on potential bid competitors, Caesars has formed a three-man Advisory Committee of International trade/relations heavyweights.

Advising Caesars on its Japanese quest, are former US Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, and multi-national trade strategy expert Kara Bue of Armitage International.

“Caesars has a proud legacy of delivering remarkable entertainment experiences while focusing on responsible gaming and economic development. We are glad that Senator Daschle, Ambassador Barshefsky, and Kara Bue are helping us bring this experience to Japan should we be fortunate enough to earn a license.”  Caesars detailed in a statement confirming its Japan Advisory.

Having navigated the legacy gambling firm, through its complex bankruptcy and group restructuring process in 2016/17, Caesars Entertainment CEO & President Mark Frissora has publically stated that the firm must develop an ‘aggressive global expansion’ strategy.

Frissora who seeks to redevelop Caesars Entertainment’s value proposition for investors, is actively seeking for new market opportunities in which to expand Caesars brand and assets.

Although the terms of Japan’s ‘Integrated Resorts’ bill remain unknown, the casino tender will be hotly contested, by multiple parties.

Speaking to US media in 2017, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson the owner of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation stated that he viewed Japan to be gambling’s ‘next Holy Grail’.

Adelson, the US’ tenth richest man, further stated that his firm was prepared to spend up to $10 billion on building a casino complex, should it secure an integrate resorts license.