Konami Group Corporation’s gaming and systems group arm Konami Gaming, Inc said overnight it has become the first manufacturer to submit license applications with the country’s casino regulator – the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC). The Japanese company also revealed it is the first manufacturer to file across all applicable license categories. These filings, it added, represent milestone events for the nation’s regulatory framework as development of Japan’s integrated resort (IR) market progresses.
This comes as MGM Resorts and its local partner ORIX power ahead with construction of Japan’s first and at this stage only integrated resort, MGM Osaka – due to open in 2030.
“Konami’s early filing demonstrates our commitment and readiness to engage constructively with Japan’s regulatory framework from the outset,” said Lori Olk, SVP & Chief Compliance Officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “We have approached this process with a focus on transparency, preparation, and alignment with the stringent standards established by the JCRC.”
Konami explained that its early submission positions the company to participate during the formative stages of the emerging regulated market, adding that it has invested “significant resources in localization, documentation and operational planning” to ensure alignment with the nation’s legal, regulatory and cultural expectations. The company has, it said, leveraged its longstanding compliance infrastructure, governance processes and global licensing experience to fulfill detailed requirements of the Japanese regulatory framework.
“This milestone in Konami’s application process with the JCRC represents a significant, coordinated effort across multiple business units and jurisdictions, supported by decades of experience operating in highly regulated gaming markets worldwide,” said Tom Jingoli, President & COO at Konami Gaming. “As Japan continues to expand its IR framework, Konami remains focused on supporting regulatory objectives and partnering with stakeholders to deliver compliant, high-quality gaming solutions tailored to the needs of the Japanese market.”
Aside from the US$10 billion MGM Osaka project, Japan’s central government in March promulgated and enforced a cabinet order establishing a second application period for IRs, to run from 6 May to 5 November 2027 and with the likes of Hokkaido and Aichi having expressed interest.
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