Most Japanese cities remain shy about casino resorts
Only Osaka, Wakayama, Nagasaki confirm IR intentions
As time moves on casino development in Japan, most of the country’s local governments are saying no to casino developments in any form, whether as part of multi-billion-dollar Integrated Resorts or not. In fact, local reports indicate that 40 local governments will definitely not be entering the IR race.
While other prefectures are keeping mum on their intentions about joining the casino race, so far only Osaka, Wakayama, and Nagasaki are willing to openly admit that they will be making IR bids.
According to a survey of all 47 prefectures and 20 designated cities conducted by Kyodo News in the latter part of 2018, casino legalization remains a politically tricky topic for most local governments, with only the three prefectures overcoming their political hurdles at the local level.
While other prefectures are likely to join the IR race this year, the Kyodo survey found five other local governments, including the prefectures of Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Ibaraki, and the city governments of Chiba and Yokohama, are willing to admit that they are actively considering IR bids and might still be in the chase for one of the three reported IR prospective casino properties in Japan.
