Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Plans Casino Visit While in Singapore

In the wake of Japan’s plans to legalize gambling as part of a bid to boost the economy as well as promote tourism, the country’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe is planning to visit a casino resort during his upcoming trip to Singapore.

Abe is reportedly keen to explore the gambling industry to fully understand the possible economic effects of passing a gambling bill in Japan before the end of the legislative session in June or in the new legislative year.

Singapore seems the perfect ground for examination, since the introduction of casinos to the country in 2010 a reported 70,000 jobs have been generated by the gambling centers.

Abe is also expected to get a better understanding on his stance on casino junket operators whilst in Singapore.

In stark contrast to Macau, Singapore’s Genting’s Resort World Sentosa only allows three international marketing agents to operate and the Marina Bay Sands reportedly has no need for junket operators.

Kelvin Tan, Chief of Marketing at Melco Crown Entertainment believes that Japan should aim to base its gambling legislation and junket policy on more middle grounders, such as Australia and Las Vegas.