Tokyo assesses potential IR impact

The government will commission a study on the potential impact of an IR, should the city decide to push for a bid.

Japan.- Integrated resorts (IRs) continue to be the main discussion topic for the gambling industry in Japan as legislation was recently approved to allow the casino sector to operate in the country. That’s why, as it is still uncertain which cities will push for an IR to be developed in their areas, Tokyo wants to assess how a venue would impact on the city.

The Bureau of Port and Harbor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recently announced a public tender for an advisory firm to research the economic and social impacts of developing an integrated resort in the area. It would be the fifth study on the matter but it will be the first after the proper legislation was passed and the possibility of allowing an IR to operate in Tokyo became more certain.

Though the study being commissioned might mean Tokyo is considering to push for an IR bid, it still remains unclear whether it will do so. Should the Metropolitan Government decide to take part in the bidding process, it would still have to decide where it would develop the venue, but Odaiba and Tsukiji have already been suggested as potential spots.