Paradise City operators may launch Japan IR bid

Paradise Co., who with gaming company Sega Sammy operate the Paradise City casino in South Korea, is considering extending the partnership to compete for an integrated resort (IR) license in Japan.

Inside Asian Gaming reported Paradise President and CEO Park Pyung-yong is mulling over bidding for one of three licenses the Japanese government is expected to issue next year.

When asked if partnering with Sega Sammy was in the cards, Park answered, “Yes. It’s not a commitment, but it’s some kind of sentiment. But it’s not confirmed.”

He added, however, that the possible joint venture wasn’t in fear of losing Japanese customers to the Japanese IRs. “Some people think Japanese high rollers may not come to Korea, but Japanese high rollers may be very cautious about their playing… I think Japanese high rollers won’t go to their local casino. Our VIP clients in Japan will still come to Korea,” he explained.