Operator News
Japan – Universal realigns to keep former Chairman out
By Phil - 19 June 2018
Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corporation has confirmed it is overseeing an ‘organisational realignment’ to stop former Chairman Kazuo Okada taking any role in any of its businesses.
Universal has created a new umbrella company called Limited Liability Company to oversee Tiger Resort Asia, Aruze USA, and a new company called UE Technologies, which will manufacture Player Tracking Systems, bill validators and automated table games.
Universal said: “In acquiring and maintaining licenses for casino-related businesses in the various states of [the United States], members of management and shareholders must undergo strict screenings of suitability conducted by the gaming commission serving as the regulatory authorities.In cases where unsuitable individuals are present among management or shareholders, there is a risk of being unable to acquire a license to begin with, or a license that is already held being invalidated.
“Given that, as part of preparations to secure the structure to execute business at the casino-related businesses without being affected by a shareholder of the company’s parent who has been cited as violating governance and compliance (Okada) even should this unsuitable individual assumes the post of director at the company or its parent, the company has decided to conduct an intra-group organisational realignment for those casino-related businesses.”
