Dentsu Inc. Hosts Forum on "Japanese-Style IR (Integrated Resort)"

On September 11, Dentsu Inc. held the "3rd JIR Forum" at its Shiodome headquarters in Tokyo. The theme was "Considerations on Tourism and Regional Policy through the Introduction of IR (Integrated Resorts)." Approximately 170 attendees, including representatives from local governments and related companies, participated. Amid growing interest in introducing IRs, including casinos, to strengthen inbound tourism and revitalize the economy, the forum explored regional development through a "Japanese-style IR," drawing on examples from the United States and Switzerland.

First, Vic Toasser, President of Casino Creations, Inc. (USA), gave a presentation on "The Contributions of Indian Casinos to Their Regions and Their Economic Ripple Effects." He explained that over 500 casinos owned and operated by various Native American tribes exist across the United States. Unlike large-scale casinos in places like Las Vegas, these target local residents rather than tourists. He highlighted the benefits to the local economy, including contributions to tax revenue, internal employment encompassing related sectors like hotels and restaurants, and significant ripple effects within the region across construction, finance, real estate, and administrative sectors. He also introduced how these casinos currently contribute to urban redevelopment.

Next, Wolfgang Breim, CEO of Switzerland's Grand Casino Luzern Group, delivered a lecture titled "Switzerland's Tourism Strategy and Casino Legalization." He stated that casinos, introduced following a 1993 national referendum, coexist in two forms: large-scale integrated resort (IR) Type A casinos and smaller regional Type B casinos. They now play a role in Switzerland's tourism industry, contributing to foreign currency earnings. Revenue from high taxation is used as a source for pension funds, benefiting the entire population. He also highlighted the legal framework and the strict oversight system enforced by the government, the Ministry of Justice, and the Federal Gaming Commission. He emphasized the stringent obligations imposed, including ensuring security, supervising visitors, preventing crimes like money laundering, and maintaining financial integrity.

Next, Mr. Kazuaki Sasaki, a full-time lecturer at Nihon University's College of Economics, joined as moderator for a talk session themed "The Development of Regional IRs in Japan." Mr. Sasaki shared his outlook that casino operators in Japan will likely be selected through a bidding process. He explained four key perspectives crucial for operation: finance, customers, internal business processes, and learning/growth. Both speakers advised, "When introducing IRs, the Japanese public should carefully consider what they aim to achieve with IRs and strive for unique solutions."

Finally, Mr. Satoshi Okabe, General Manager of Dentsu Inc.'s Social Solutions Division, Casino & Tourism Project Department, delivered a concluding presentation titled "The Japanese Version of IR." He proposed the creation of wide-area tourism zones through inter-municipal collaboration as a model for inbound tourism in Japan. He concluded by stating that Japanese IRs would revitalize local communities, which would be key to invigorating Japan as a whole.