Japan's HIS considers buying island for casino project

[TOKYO] HIS Co's Dutch-themed amusement park along Japan's south-western coast is considering buying a deserted offshore island in an expansion to boost its appeal as a possible site for a casino resort.

"We are planning to buy new land to offer more games at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park," Hideo Sawada, chairman of the Tokyo-based travel agency and park operator, said on April 18. "There are a lot of deserted islands nearby."

He said that at least 100 billion yen (S$1.23 billion) is needed to fund a gambling resort at the park.