From Card Player – MGM Resorts International is in the midst of crucial projects in the United States and Macau, but it’s also reportedly keeping close tabs on any possible pro-gambling legal developments in Japan and Korea. The casino firm is one of the largest in the world, boasting dozens of gambling interests. With regards to Japan; “There’s a growing consensus there that gaming will be expanded, and we plan to participate in that process. I think our operating and development expertise as well as our ability to be good partners are great advantages for us,” MGM CEO Jim Murren…

From Business Week – South Korea’s Incheon city said Thursday a $290 billion plan to transform a fishing village into a rival to the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau has collapsed. Incheon Free Economic Zone official Jung Mi-hyun said luxury hotel operator Kempinski AG, a key member of the development consortium, failed to raise a promised $40 million by the end of July. Kempinski’s Korean unit KI Corp. is the largest shareholder in the consortium, Eightcity Co. Korean Air Lines Co. is the second-largest. According to Incheon city, Kempinski agreed in May to the $40 million investment and to pay…

Attempts at a South Korea casino license for Caesars Entertainment and Lippo Limited have been rejected. It was a surprise move that could stall the government’s casino development plans. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism told Reuters on Friday that both requests for licences were rejected. A ministry spokeswoman give no reason for the decision. A South Korea casino was just one of many Asian countries considering building resorts to lure in high-spending tourists. This after Singapore’s success with two large properties that opened in 2010. Taiwan plans to allow casinos to set up shop on offshore islands and…