Melco-Crown Entertainment to Invest USD 5 Billion in Japan Casino

Melco-Crown Entertainment, a joint venture between Macau casino tycoon Lawrence Ho and Australian gambling billionaire, James Packer, has announced plans to invest US$5 billion into a new casino resort in Japan.

Speaking to Bloomberg News, Ho state: "If Japan opens up and allows integrated resorts in Tokyo, Osaka, the market could easily be in excess of $10 billion to $15 billion or more."

US-based casino operators Wynn Resorts and MGM are also seeking to expand its casino empire in Japan.

Japan has long been touted as an attractive gaming market with a large and relatively rich population base, Bloomberg News noted.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com