The World Poker Tour has announced its first ever stop in Japan. The tournament has announced its partnership with a group called the Japan Poker Union. Although the venue remains unknown, qualifiers at a local poker clubs will take place. There would be four events in the tournament is slated for November 23-26.
The Japan Poker Union Corporation expressed its happiness partnering with the World Poker Tour, and said it is the “perfect brand to help launch a new chapter for poker in our country.”
Adam Pliska, CEO of WPT, responded saying, “Japanese poker market is a flourishing one.” WPT had Beijing in its stop list earlier this year and has WPT India series at the beginning of November this year. Ourgame International bought WPT for $35 million in cash two years ago from bwin.party digital entertainment.
The regulated casino gambling market in Japan is speculated to be worth $40 billion whenever the casinos are built in the country, about half of the U.S. market. MGM and Las Vegas Sands are seeking every opportunity to invest in Japan’s Casino Market.