Hokkaido launches survey on casino plans

The prefecture may apply for one of two possible new casino licences in Japan.

Japan.- Hokkaido prefecture has launched a survey of all 179 municipalities on the possibility of hosting an integrated resort (IR) with a casino.

In 2019, Hokkaido chose not to participate in Japan’s initial round of IR bidding, mainly due to environmental concerns, but Suguru Kanazawa, the mayor of Tomakomai, announced in February plans to revive the city’s bid in any future round.

Kanazawa said the city was restructuring its IR promotion initiatives and working with the central government and Hokkaido Prefecture to attract private investment to the area around New Chitose Airport.

Japan’s northernmost prefecture has seen a number of meetings explore the topic since. In June, the Hokkaido Economic Federation expressed support. Yutaka Fujii, chairperson of the Hokkaido Economic Federation, and chairperson of Hokkaido Electric Power Co, was cited by media as saying: “Having an IR is an effective way to improve the value of Hokkaido tourism and a great opportunity for the Hokkaido business community. The Hokkaido Economic Federation is going to have study meetings with other economic groups in Hokkaido.”

The only IR project approved in Japan for now is MGM Osaka on Yumeshima island. The development is a joint venture between the Orix Group, MGM Resorts International and several smaller-scale Japanese investors. It’s been reported the the central government may open new applications for two more IR licences, potentially reviving its initial plan to approve three developments, in time for the permits to be awarded by the end of 2027. 

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See also: Japan Tourism Agency says MGM Osaka advancing as planned

The prefecture may apply for one of two possible new casino licences in Japan. Japan.- Hokkaido prefecture has launched a survey of all 179 municipalities on the possibility of hosting…