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Japan – Mohegan Gaming and Oshidori International pull out of race for Nagasaki casino
By Phil - 6. August 2021
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment won’t be operating a casino at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park at Sasebo city in Nagasaki, after its partner for the project Oshidori International dramatically pulled the plug on its involvement citing ‘restrictive and unreasonable rules’ and ‘ethical concerns.’
Oshidori said: “Unless there are certain changes to the developmental and operational rules imposed by the Nagasaki Prefecture, and unless the RFP process is conducted in an ethical manner, Oshidori is withdrawing from participating in the RFP for an IR in Nagasaki. The restrictive and unreasonable rules imposed by the Nagasaki Prefecture make it impossible for Oshidori to conduct business in a prudent and efficient manner.”
“Oshidori has encountered several incidents that make it question whether there have been serious ethical irregularities in the RFP process, and it is only interested in participating in a process that has the highest integrity, and that is professional, transparent and based on merit,” it added. “Oshidori expresses its gratitude to the local community and to all the people involved for their support and cooperation towards Oshidori’s participation in Nagasaki’s IR process.
Oshidori was partnering with Mohegan Gaming to develop a world-class integrated resort, but also in creating a dynamic community for Nagasaki to become a premium travel destination and a premier residential choice.
Their withdrawal leaves Casino Austria International Japan and Niki Chau Fu (Park View) Group in the running for the licence. Behind the scenes, there have been accusations of the government tailoring its requirements to favour one of these companies.
Nagasaki is one of four prefectures hoping to land one of three Integrated Resort casino licences from the national government along with Osaka, Wakayama and Yokohama.
