Japanese Casinos Under Threat of Criminal Attacks, Says Corporate Security Expert

The saga of integrated casino resorts in Japan is about to enter its next phase with the drafting of legal framework meant to overlook all the operations. And as it all unfolds, the optimism regarding the success of this venture flourishes…

…but even so, there are those who warn against potential issues that could jeopardize the integrity of casinos. James Stern, former Wynn Resorts executive vice president of corporate security has expressed well-founded concerns that Japanese resorts could become prime targets for criminal organizations and gangs such as Yakuza.

The Threat is Real

Stern, born in a predominantly Japanese neighborhood, ed the FBI and even infiltrated Yakuza to put a stop to a drug smuggling scheme – was relieved from his security lead duties at the beginning of the year…

…after his testimony before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that he has personally placed Wynn Resorts co-founder, Elaine Wynn, and three other employees under surveillance.

He is now a head of his own company – Global Gaming and Resort Security – he spoke to Japan Times and, recollecting some of his past experiences, spoke of possibilities that Japan’s integrated resorts fall prey to criminal gangs when they open in 2024 or 2025.

In his interview, he commented:

“The Yakuza have changed over the years, but one thing won’t change: They’re all about the money. Tradition comes second.

Imagine if a gangster was able to get control over a VIP host, they could do a significant amount of damage. There are many ways to skim money from a casino and criminals will easily figure out how to do it.”

Is Police Enough?

Stern warns future licensees that they shouldn’t rely solely on the help from Japan’s national forces…

…even though he its that can control potential activities within casinos somewhat, a particularly problematic point might be on-property surveillance cameras which can be used for extortion or blackmail, if accessed.

“Japan is a nation of laws and I’m sure that the police will be prepared. But the casinos can’t trust the police to do everything. That won’t work well.”, concludes Stern.

Strategy For Problem Gambling

Apart from the problem of security and crime, there’s also the issue of problem gambling …

…and for that, Japanese government has already laid out a plan, or at least a strategy on how to combat it.

Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, said that “(we) will create a healthy society by implementing thoroughly measures based on the basic plan in order to prevent people from finding themselves in difficult situations.” One of the suggestions is to remove cash machines from pachinko parlors. Another plan suggests to do a major research on how to keep problem gamblers and underage individuals out of these establishments by implementing facial recognition technology.

Source:

“Criminal enterprises could target Japanese casinos”, casinobeats.com, July 9, 2019.