MGM Eyes Japan & South Korea

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…

South Korean plan for Macau gambling rival falls apart

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…