Japan to hold second round of casino licence applications

A draft proposal sets a six-month window for local authorities to submit bids for integrated resorts.

Japan.- A second round of applications for integrated resort (IR) licences in Japan looks set to be held from May 6 to November 5, 2027. That’s according to a draft cabinet order published by the Japan Tourism Agency.

Japan’s Integrated Resorts Act allowed up to three IR licences to be awarded but only MGM’s Osaka project secured approval from the first round of applications, leaving up to two licences available in the next window. 

According to local media reports, only municipalities will be allowed to apply, with private operators required to partner with local authorities rather than submit bids independently, unlike in the previous round. The draft order is currently open for public comment before adoption. 

Hokkaido and Nagasaki are widely expected to present applications. Nagasaki applied in the previous window but was rejected due to concerns over financing and operational experience. Hokkaido had been in the running but eventually decided against applying.

IR development is seen as a strategy to boost extended stays by high-spending international visitors to Japan. Government officials have emphasised that only proposals demonstrating strong governance, financial resilience and clear benefits to regional tourism will be considered.

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See also: MGM Osaka to create up to 12,000 jobs

A draft proposal sets a six-month window for local authorities to submit bids for integrated resorts. Japan.- A second round of applications for integrated resort (IR) licences in Japan looks…