Asia
MGM-Orix Consortium Could Benefit from Japan Election Results
The result of Japan’s general elections is positive news for the country’s IR industry and in particular for the chances of the MGM/Orix consortium in Osaka after surprise gains by the Ishin To Party.
The right-wing party almost quadrupled their seats from 11 to 41 making it the third-largest party in the country. In Ishin’s stronghold of Osaka, the party banished the LDP completely and cornered 14 of the 18 seats.
“In the IR space, if Osaka was already the firm favourite prior to the election, it is even more certain now that they will bring the license bacon home and Bill Hornbuckle can start heating up the grill in his backyard and invite his ORIX partners for an early celebration barbecue. The LDP will now need their friendly opposition ‘partner’ more than ever and will be eagerly serving the IR license to Governor Yoshimura in a sterling silver platter,” said industry executive Daniel Cheng, who has been closely following the IR license procedure in Japan.
Overall, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party returned to power, removing other potential political upsets to the licensing timetable.
“The road looks clear for the continuation in the ongoing six-month host bid submission window which will close on 30 April 2022 after which up to three cities and their associated development consortiums will be selected a few months after,” Cheng said.
For Nagasaki and Wakayama, it is more of the same as the aftermath of the election saw an unchanged ratio of ruling vs opposition legislative seats. In the capital, the ruling party lost some ground to the opposition but it is unlikely to prevent Governor Koike from making an IR bid if she so decides to.
Two IR hopefuls on the sidelines saw contrasting fortunes. The LDP lost ground in Fukuoka losing 3 seats when it previously held all 11 seats; conversely, the LDP gained ground in Aichi winning 3 more seats. That puts the latter in better stead should they throw the dice in the pot if less than three licenses are issued from the present bidding round.
“Hokkaido is the other big story in my view, namely Tomakomai City which was the de facto IR site for the prefecture but withdrew over a year ago,” Cheng said. “There are many anticipating a Hokkaido comeback in the IR race at some juncture whether 7 years later or sooner, circumstances permitting.
At the prefectural level, the election results were even-stevens where the LDP and the opposition started and ended with 6 seats each, but not in the same districts. Particularly, Hokkaido District 9 which encompasses Tomakomai City fell into the hands of main opposition political party, CDP. This was despite having both Prime Minister Kishida and former Prime Minister Abe campaigning in Tomakomai City last week to rally support for LDP incumbent, Manabu Horii.
This will add another headache for Tomakomai Mayor Iwakura in his crusade to bring an integrated resort into his town as the CDP is staunchly anti-IR.”
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DigiPlus Interactive Corp, the Philippines’ leading digital entertainment company, has taken a step forward in its international growth strategy with the official incorporation of DigiPlus Global Pte Ltd in Singapore.
Fully owned by Diginvest Holdings Inc, a 100% subsidiary of DigiPlus Interactive, the newly established DigiPlus Global will serve as the company’s international hub—driving its global ambitions through strategic partnerships, talent acquisition and corporate support. The entity is formally registered under Singapore’s business activity classification for head and regional offices, acting as DigiPlus Interactive’s centralised administrative and management office.
While the Singapore entity will focus solely on regional support services, it will not operate any gaming platforms in Singapore, in full respect of the country’s regulatory framework.
“This is not just an expansion; it’s a foundational step in our growth strategy. By anchoring our international presence in Singapore—one of the world’s most advanced business ecosystems—we are accelerating DigiPlus’ transformation into a globally recognized force in digital entertainment,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
The move enables DigiPlus to deepen its access to global expertise, strengthen cross-border collaboration and build high-value relationships in key markets. It will also accelerate the company’s ability to pioneer the next wave of digital entertainment innovations as it continues to grow its digital platforms—BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone—which already dominate the Philippine market.
The post DigiPlus Officially Incorporates Singapore Hub to Power Global Growth appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION Named “Most Honored Company” in the Gaming Sector in Extel’s “2025 Japan Executive Team” Survey
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION has been named “Most Honored Company” in the gaming sector in Extel’s (formerly Institutional Investor) “2025 Japan Executive Team” survey.
This survey is conducted by Extel to select listed Japanese companies with outstanding IR activities based on votes from 541 investors and analysts from 237 firms, nominating a total of 533 companies.
In the gaming sector, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION ranked first in the categories of “Best CEO” (Sell-Side), “Best Investor Relations Professional,” “Best Investor Relations Program,” and “Best Company Board,” and as a result, the company has been named the “Most Honored Company.”
To increase our corporate value, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION places high priority on constructive dialogue with shareholders and investors to deepen mutual understanding. In FY2025, the company held over 400 IR meetings, with our top management actively participating in quarterly financial results briefings and overseas IR roadshows. The “Most Honored Company” designation is in recognition of these efforts.
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION will continue to work to achieve sustainable growth and enhance our corporate value over the medium-to-long-term through our IR activities.
The post KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION Named “Most Honored Company” in the Gaming Sector in Extel’s “2025 Japan Executive Team” Survey appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The Macau Government has appointed Ng Wai Han, who was serving as Director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP), as Director of the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
Ng had served as head of the Public Administration Bureau since September 2023, following a three-year stint as Deputy Director.
Between 1999 and 2020, Ng rose through the ranks of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) to the position of Deputy Director.
With this appointment, the reshuffling of DICJ’s leadership team is now complete. The position of Director had remained vacant since 20 December last year, when her predecessor, Adriano Marques Ho, became Director General of the Macau Customs. Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong had been serving as Acting Director in the interim.
Lei Seak Chio, who, like Ng, previously worked at DSAL, was appointed one of DICJ’s Deputy Directors in February, replacing Peter Chui.
The post Macau Govt Appoints Ng Wai Han as Director of DICJ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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