IR-prone candidate wins Wakayama election

Governor Yoshinobu Nisaka, who favours an IR bid, won the prefecture’s election and secured another four-year term.

Japan.- The race for integrated resort licences continues to develop in Japan while the rules for the segment get finalised, and Wakayama is looking forward to pushing for its own venue. That’s why the result of the gubernatorial election, which saw Governor Yoshinobu Nisaka securing another four-year term, is definitely good news for those plans.

Governor Nisak had repeatedly voiced his support for a gaming venue to be developed in Wakayama and won the election thanks to the help of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner Komeito as well as opposition parties the Democratic Party for the People and the Social Democratic Party. His challenger, on the other hand, was Masayoshi Hatanaka, who made clear his opposition to hosting a casino as he cited concerns about gambling addiction.

Several international operators have already shown their interest in Japan and even discussed potential plans with local governments. Earlier this year, Yokohama conducted a request for information (RFI) process, which had twelve companies submitting plans and information to the government. However, the local government will have to compete with several other areas to win the rights to develop its own venue.