Japan could provide the model for emerging gaming markets – argues BMM Testlabs' John Rochester

With the gaming industry tuned into the prospects of addressing Japan’s predicted $40bn gaming and hospitality sector, the forthcoming Japan Gaming Congress (May 10th – 11th, Grand Hyatt, Tokyo) has taken on huge significance. 

John Rochester, SVP Business Development Australia Asia Pacific, BMM Testlabs, looks ahead to the prestigious two-day educational forum, highlights how events such as the JgC can help refine government thinking and argues that the experience of Japan could impact other emerging regulated markets.

How important do you think events such as JgC are when a jurisdiction embarks on the regulation journey?  

These events are extremely important for jurisdictions looking to regulate their market. They provide an opportunity for an exchange of ideas between those that have considerable experience from around the world in setting up the legislation, policies and standards for a regulated gaming market.  

Can the Japan Gaming Congress enhance the process?  

The JgC highlights the importance of why markets should be regulated. While Japan is already formulating its vision for regulating its gaming market, the open and progressive views of the global participants to the JgC will help the Government further define their vision, and the steps necessary to convert that vision into practice.  

What will Japan contribute to the gaming universe both from a qualitative and a quantitative perspective?  

Japan is a huge market for new gaming revenues. Its addition to the gaming universe will bring its own set of requirements which also have the potential to grow and enrich all global regulated markets. Japan's differences and similarities within the industry will be watched and possibly modeled by existing or emerging regulated markets.  

Can you outline the key take outs from the presentation you will be making at JgC?  

BMM will be discussing Technical Standards for Gaming Technology. The key emphasis of the presentation is that gaming technical standards are necessary and need to be formulated in relation to the governmental policy and regulations. Many technical standards around the world have a common set of requirements, and specific requirements, that reflect the policy and regulations of that particular jurisdiction or market. The gaming technical standards outline how the players interact with the technology as well as the integrity, auditability and reportability of the technology. We will also discuss how the evolution of gaming technology can be managed and approved.  

What do you consider to be the key drivers for the regulation of gaming in Japan - the desire to be competitive in the region or revenues from gaming taxation?  

The drivers for regulation in Japan are multiple and complex. However, there appears to be a strong demand for gaming services in Japan and taking all drivers into consideration, the best way for that demand to be met is through a regulated gaming market. This provides the best opportunity for player fairness, harm minimization, accurate and transparent reporting for taxation and business accountability.  

The Japan Gaming Congress is a two-day educational forum that will offer a clear, practical insight and understanding into the casino legislation in Japan. With a relatively short time to go before the first licences are issued, JgC provides an opportunity to fully understand the complex nature of IR Casinos in one of the potential superpowers in Asia.

Topics to be covered at this year’s JgC, include: Building a MICE economy in conjunction with IR projects; Licensing regulations; Best practice in responsible gambling; IR locations and Financing IR projects.  

For more information and to register as a delegate, visit: www.japangamingcongress.com