03/10/26 Japan confirms dates for second round of casino bids The new application period will allow local governments to submit proposals to bid for up to two licences for integrated resorts with casinos.
03/09/26 Aichi allocates US$1.75m For IR study The prefecture has allocated more funding than potential rival Hokkaido ahead of the next window for Japanese casino licences.
02/27/26 Bally’s signals potential Japan IR bid US-based operator Bally’s Corporation has described Japan as an “extremely attractive market” for integrated resort investment.
02/26/26 Japan’s Aichi prefecture publishes draft casino IR policy The prefecture has opened a public consultation on a proposed integrated resort on reclaimed land.
01/28/26 Osaka to strengthen responsible gambling measures ahead of casino opening A dedicated addiction countermeasures centre is planned for 2029 as Japan prepares for the launch of its first authorised casino resort.
01/19/26 Hokkaido governor calls for investigation into Japan’s first integrated resort approval process Hokkaido had initially shown interest in the first round of IR applications but exited the process in late 2019 before applications formally opened.
01/06/26 Japan cabinet approves budget increase for casino regulator The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission is set to receive US$25m in funding for the coming year.
12/18/25 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.
11/21/25 Draft paper to be presented for potential Hokkaido IR A draft position paper will outline a possible vision for an integrated resort.
10/23/25 New Japan PM has support of pro-IR party Takaichi could accelerate the drive for integrated casino resorts (IR) as her coalition backs the policy.
