Authorities in Japan have appointed Toshiyuki Shimada as the new Secretary General of the nation’s Casino Regulatory Commission.
The official currently serves as the commission’s Deputy Secretary General and previously held worked in the Ministry of Finance.
In his new position, Shimada will oversee not only the development of the nation’s integrated resort project(s) but also online gambling activity within the nation – something that has recently undergone a crackdown.
Japanese authorities have even gone so far as requesting that foreign countries block access to their legal online gambling sites for Japanese citizens.
In addition, the nation has passed new legislation aimed at reducing problem gambling and anti-money laundering.
Shimada is likely to serve a five-year term in his role, taking over from former superintendent prosecutor Takafumi Sato – who chaired the commission since January of this year.
In total, there are five members of the Casino Regulatory Commission, nominated by the nation’s parliament.
Shimada is likely to see the opening of the nation’s first integrated resort – MGM Osaka, scheduled to debut in 2030. While Japan’s legislation allows for up to three IR licenses, little interest has been garnered around other potential projects.
