The Mississippi Gaming Commission has voted to renew Kazuo Okada’s gaming license within Mississippi, voting “suitability status” for the Japanese billionaire. Okada operates Aruze Gaming America and will now be able to continue operating within the state. It was later announced that conditions had been set on the approval, one of which is that he is cleared of any wrongdoing in a current FBI investigation.
Head of Universal Entertainment, Okada has faced bribery allegations in the Philippines and has shied away from the public eye since an investigation began against him back in 2012. In the Philippines, Okada is currently building an integrated resorted with a multi-billion dollar price tag. Manila Bay Resorts is currently running behind schedule. Okada has requested an extension to the deadline, and may face sanctions if the resort does not open on time.
The FBI began their investigation into Okada in 2012 when payments were made to an associate of Okada’s which have been considered as bribery. Okada and the company have denied these charges.