MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer has James Murren said they plan to expand their reach in Tokyo over the next 30 days as the casino giant based in Las Vegas steps up its efforts to make inroads in what could become th second-largest casino market in the world. Murren says the company will set up a large office in Tokyo with eight to nine people deployed at the new office.
Major international casino companies like Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:MPEL) and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) are also rushing to japan for potential untapped market opportunities. Japan legalized casino gambling in December 2016.
In an effort to provide easy access to help MGM Resorts International and British Columbia Lottery Corp signed an agreement licensing GameSense, a responsible-gaming program. The program encourages gamblers to be responsible avoid behaviours that could lead to gambling disorders. Some of habits advocated for in the new program include setting money and time limits for gambling. GameSense will be available at the MGM properties information centres where customers can access all the information required to entrench responsible gambling.
In the agreement, MGM will offer $1 million to UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, spread out over a period of five years. The institute will research on the findings of the program so as to seal any loop holes and boost similar efforts. According to MGM Resorts executive vice president of global industry affairs, Alan Feldman, the findings from the research will help all parties involved. The company is hopping to fully implement the program in all its properties by end of 2017. Feldman says GameSense will help in transforming the gambling experience at all its properties by enhancing customer service sentiments that were echoed by BCLC president Jim Lightbody. Jim say the program will be a game change in providing support for responsible gambling.
The program goes beyond those with gambling issues and accommodates all guest. Although irresponsible gambling is a sum total of several factors, alcohol serves the biggest cause of irresponsible gambling.
THE MORNING REPORT
Start your workday the right way with the news that matters most.
Your information is 100% secure with us and will never be shared Disclaimer & Privacy Policy
