Nagasaki IR contenders cannot launch bids elsewhere in Japan

Nagasaki’s prefectural government has announced potential private partners that have qualified for the next phase to develop its proposed integrated resort may not participate in similar bidding processes elsewhere in Japan.

Japan.- After announcing that it had narrowed down its search for a partner for its proposed integrated resort to three candidates, Nagasaki’s prefectural government has said that the remaining operators must not launch bids elsewhere in Japan.

Nagasaki has chosen Casinos Austria, Oshidori Group and NIKI Chau Fwu to move forward into the next round, which involves a “competitive dialogue” with would-be partners.

Authorities stated: “Any investment company that will hold a five per cent or more share in a firm formally progressing in the IR proposal process cannot be an investment company for another concurrent bid in a different IR development and operation public tender in Japan.”

Only three casino resorts will be permitted in Japan in the initial opening up of the market. Osaka, Yokohama and Wakayama also intend to bid for licences.

Osaka hosts casino event led by Japan’s IR Gaming Institute

Osaka, which has announced the extension of its submission period for integrated resort proposals until April 6, has hosted an event led by the IR Gaming Institute.

The event featured roulette, baccarat, blackjack and poker tables. Instructors from the IR Gaming Institute served as dealers. Most of the attendees were from Kansai, Tokyo and Nagoya.

Osaka has recently dropped its target opening date for its IR project due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.