US chain Hard Rock Café International Inc is set to join the list of potential bidders for a Japan casino license.
According to a report by Bloomberg, the company’s CEO Hamish Dodds has confirmed that Hard Rock is willing to make a “major investment” in Japan and is currently looking for partners ahead of renewed debate over the possible legalization of casinos in the land of the rising sun.
“We can either play a lead role or a partnership role,” Dodds said. “We really hope that we can collaborate with Japanese partners and institutions.”
Hard Rock is currently expanding into mainland China via its popular hotels and restaurants but derives more than half of its annual revenue from its gaming operations, with nine casinos located through the US and Canada.
It was among a number of companies – alongside the likes of MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts – at a conference in Tokyo last week to state their case to local politicians and companies.
Japan most recently rejected an Integrated Resorts Promotion Bill in early 2015 but could debate new legislation as early as this week.
