Inside Asian Gaming

2020 年11月 IAG JAPAN 121 defined by the outcome rather than any specified inputs or outputs. Certainly, the successful bidder spent significantly in building its IR complex, but it was its choice to do so by promising to deliver an outcome which met the expectations of Victoria. JAPANESE ASSESSMENT There are lessons here for jurisdictions still contemplating the best way forward, such as Japan, who are now embarking upon an IR implementation process of their own. Some potential bidders have committed publicly to spending upwards of US$10 billion in developing an IR in Japan. Similarly, some Prefectures, perhaps ostensibly to swing public or political support their way, have indicated their support for this level of financial commitment. However, such promises should be seen to be input measures of limited usefulness for any long-term, practical or sustainable assessment. Does a US$10 billion outlay indicate anything about the impacts on visitation, the quality of the construction, the utility or suitability of any of the proposed non-gaming offers or the number of jobs to be created by the development? The answer is no! Nevertheless, on paper Japan is heading in the right direction. Its draft Basic Policy for the Development of Integrated Resorts is an excellent example of an outcomes driven policy. It identifies desired outcomes throughout. For example, in Section C of the proposed Evaluation Criteria, it states, “IR operators are expected to establish sufficient agreement in the region regarding the development of IR areas, and to build and maintain good relationships in areas that are essential for the long-term and stable continuation of the IR business.” This goal is not unique to Japan. It has been pursued in many jurisdictions, from Melbourne to Macau. For example, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s (GEG) casinos in Macau have developed programs for local small and medium enterprises. The bustling laneway of independent restaurants and food outlets situated outside GEG’s Broadway property shows how local コラムニスト