US tribal casino operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has unveiled its development plans for an integrated resort in Hokkaido, including a unique museum celebrating the cultures of both the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut and the indigenous Ainu people of Japan.
The company held a press conference on Friday where CEO Mario Kontomerkos provided first details of its IR vision, which is set to feature three hotel towers, an arena and a conference hall should Mohegan win in its upcoming license bid.
Set to be located in a forested area of Tomakomai, facilities for guests to enjoy horse riding, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities would also be built.
The IR would cost between US$3.5 billion and US$4.5 billion to develop and employ up to 7,000 people.
Mohegan, which opened its Hokkaido office in Tomakomai City in April, has previously told Inside Asian Gamingthat its experience as a tribal operator in respecting local cultures, combined with the ability to utilize the database from its US$1.6 billion Korean integrated resort Inspire – due to open in 2021 – provides a point of difference from rival bidders.
“Representing a tribe is very different from your average corporate brand. As a tribe, our main goal is to ensure the sustainability and continuity of our constituents for not just one year, not just five years, but for 13 generations,” Kontomerkos said.
Asked how that was any different from fellow tribal operators Hard Rock Japan and Rush Street Japan, Kontomerkos replied, “Lots of tribes can make those type of statements, but only one tribe has got the Northern Asia exposure in the location that we do in Incheon.”
