Sands woos Japan with vision for top sports, concert venues

Las Vegas Sands told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday its plans include top-class concert and sports venues to lure tourists an help revive the country’s leisure industry. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons, Fair Use)

TOKYO — Casino and resorts operator Las Vegas Sands has deployed David Beckham and other top sports, music and entertainment figures in its effort to woo Japan as it prepares to issue licenses for casinos.

Japan’s large and wealthy market is luring big-name casino operators who are sweetening their bids with promises of ultra-modern “integrated resorts.” Las Vegas Sands told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday its plans include top-class concert and sports venues to lure tourists and help revive the country’s leisure industry.

Late last year, Japan’s parliament approved a law on “integrated resorts” that is the first major hurdle in allowing casinos to set up shop. Further enabling legislation is expected to take several more years.

Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama are among the cities said to be hoping for casino licenses.