Casino operators remain bullish in Japan despite bribery arrest

TOKYO -- Casino operators hoping to become first movers in Japan are putting on an optimistic front, despite the postponement of the release of a regulatory framework for the sector, after a lawmaker was arrested on suspicion of receiving bribes from a Chinese betting company.

"I don't think [the arrest] diminishes our interest in pursuing our opportunity here," George Tanasijevich, managing director of Las Vegas Sands told reporters on Wednesday at an industry expo in Yokohama, one of cities spearheading plans for a casino resort along with Osaka. "We just let the process unfold, it is the government's job and it doesn't involve us. We stay focused preparing for the request for proposal."