Osaka officials seek best IR deal

As international casino operators look to score an IR in the prefecture, officials aim to get the best deal regarding jobs and infrastructure.

Japan.- The casino industry is soon to arrive in Japan after the Legislature passed the integrated resorts (IR) implementation bill and cleared the way for a gambling expansion. With the locations for the venues to be developed yet to be determined, Osaka is a front-runner and officials are looking forward to scoring the best deal for the prefecture.

Several international casino companies have already started lobbying to win the IR permit should Osaka be confirmed as a location. Thought government officials and politicians are not allowed to establish direct contact with casinos, foreign operators like MGM Resorts and Melco Resorts and Entertainment have donated money to victims of June’s earthquake or attended local festivals to get themselves noticed.

The casino industry is set to bring wealth to those areas that end up winning the bid and will certainly boost their economy as they’ll attract further tourism. However, what attracts government officials the most is the money operators will invest in infrastructure (like trains or subways), problem gambling treatment programs and the potential the segment has to create jobs. That’s why they’re carefully discussing the best way to get casinos in the area even before Osaka is confirmed as an IR location.