Wakayama publishes draft IR policy

Document indicates no more than three IRs will be constructed in the first phase of the regions plans to open casinos.

Japan.- The Wakayama Prefecture has presented the local government’s draft integrated resort (IR) implementation policy that will allow companies to operate large-scale casinos in the region.

According to authorities, the new policy will only allow three integrated resorts in the city as part of phase one plans for IRs in the prefecture.

It also outlines what facilities it expects private-sector partners to provide. This includes making casino resorts distinctive and different from other IRs in Japan.

Among other specific requirements, the casino floor area must not exceed 35 percent of the total area of the proposed IR.

The government is now running a public policy consulting period until March 3.

Japanese local governments that meet the basic national government requirement for bidding for a casino resort – namely being either a prefecture-level authority or so-called ordinance-level city  – need first to find a private-sector partner or consortium of partners, then apply to Japan’s national authorities for permission to develop an IR.