Melco “Remains Committed” to Yokohama IR Bid

Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Melco Resorts & Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Ho used the opportunity of a corporate earnings call to again assert his Macau-based firm’s interest in building an Integrated Resort (IR) including a casino at Yamashita Pier in Yokohama.

“We remain committed to bringing a world-leading Integrated Resort there and continue to pursue opportunities within the market where we remain actively engaged with our partners,” Ho stated.

He added, “The development of the Integrated Resort industry in Japan has continued to move forward. We remain convinced that Japan represents the best potential new gaming market globally and that the quality of our assets and our focus on premium segment is a great fit for the country’s tourism development. We remain patient and continue to maintain our disciplined approach with respect to all development activities, including in Japan.”

When asked about the August 22 mayoral election in which many candidates oppose IR development, Ho responded, “We’re guests and visitors of the country… In terms of something as important as mayor election or political positions, is certainly… we were we just need to continue to be respectful to the market and really do the best that we can and not worry too much about things that are completely outside of our control.”

Melco is one of only two international firms that remain in the Yokohama IR race, and most observers put it in the underdog category. If the IR initiative survives the mayoral election and moves forward as planned, its rival Genting Singapore-Sega Sammy Holdings consortium is tipped to have the advantage.

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