Hokkaido identifies two cities for potential casino resort
The prefecture received responses from 172 municipalities as it develops its position on Japan’s next integrated resort licensing round.
Japan.- Hokkaido is preparing to assess potential locations for a possible integrated resort bid (IR) after 15 companies responded to a government survey on the prospects of developing a casino complex in the Japanese prefecture. The responses included three overseas IR operators and 12 Japanese companies, although Hokkaido has not disclosed their identities.
The survey was conducted to gauge private-sector interest as the prefecture considers whether to enter Japan’s next IR licensing process. Tomakomai and Hakodate were identified as the two municipalities that expressed interest in hosting an IR. The prefecture said it had received responses from 172 of Hokkaido’s 179 municipalities as of August 17.
Tomakomai has previously been viewed as a potential site, while Hakodate’s mayor said last month that the city was not ready to put itself forward for the 2027 application round. The latest developments follow the sixth and final meeting of Hokkaido’s expert panel, which has been examining the economic and social implications of an IR. The panel also discussed measures to address gambling addiction, including how casino-related revenues could potentially support prevention and treatment programmes.
The prefecture plans to present its proposed IR policy and concept to the prefectural assembly in September, with final versions expected in October. It has yet to decide whether to submit a development plan to the national government. Japan’s next IR application window is scheduled for May 6 to November 5, 2027, when up to two additional casino resort licences can be pursued.
