Operator News
Japan – Mohegans look to tap into Tomakomai’s indigenous link
By Phil - 8 July 2019
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has said it will spend $3.5bn to $4.5bn on a casino in a forest in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, from where guests would be able to enjoy horse riding, cross-country skiing and farming.
The Mohegan tribe feels it holds a lot in common with the local Ainu people in the region as in April, the Diet passed a landmark law recognising them as indigenous people.
Mohegan Gaming has revealed that it would build three hotel buildings, a conference hall and an arena in a forest in Tomakomai.
It would also look to open a museum showing the cultures of the Mohegan Tribe and Ainu people in Hokkaido.
MGE Chief Executive Officer Mario Kontomerkos believes the tribe has experience of operating casino resorts in a natural environment similar to that in Hokkaido and will be able to take make use of a customer database from its Inspire casino resort set to open in Incheon in South Korea in 2021.
Caption: Mohegan’s plans for Korea
