Wakayama RFI process draws 33 companies

The request for information process has ended but not before 33 companies submitted plans for IR developments.

Japan.- After passing the necessary legislation, Japan has now to determine where it will develop the casino industry in the country. That’s why Wakayama has conducted a request for information (RFI) process that has just ended and had 33 companies submitting plans before the end of August.

According to municipal authorities, seven out of the 33 were international firms (which may mean there are seven IR operators interested in bidding for a development in Wakayama) but not much information beyond that was revealed.

The country has drawn the industry’s interest even before passing the IR Implementation Bill and all related legislation necessary for the establishment of the casino segment. 15 international operators had sent representatives to the briefings conducted in the city in June, which seems to mean that half of them remain positive about their chances in the area.

Through the RFI process, the authorities expect to widely hear ideas, from domestic and overseas entities, regarding the resort-type IR which Wakayama Prefecture aims to introduce. After all the information necessary has been compiled, a report will be elaborated and submitted to the government.