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The governor of Hokkaido has asked Japan’s central government to look into why the first round of the challenge to develop integrated resorts with casinos ended up with only one winner: Osaka. Naomichi Suzuki mentioned this during a media conference a day before his prefecture held the first meeting of its expert panel for its first IR, which was held before the end of the public comment period for the Cabinet’s proposal to open bids from May 6 to November 5, 2027.
Reflecting on First Round Outcomes
By late 2019, Hokkaido had stepped back, though Suzuki’s report shows they were still involved earlier. By December 2023, Osaka stood alone as the approved choice. Nagasaki missed out completely. Places like Yokohama and Wakayama never even sent their bids. He suggested Tokyo authorities should dig into the factors behind such sparse results, especially to better grasp suitable IR models for non-urban regions versus big-city hubs.
In feedback on the new timeline, Hokkaido advocated for tailored visions of local IRs, distinct from metropolitan styles. The prefecture remains committed to crafting its foundational IR position and a unique “Hokkaido-Style” concept, consulting with cities, firms, and groups along the way.
Expert Panel Kicks Off Discussions
The newly formed panel draws nine Hokkaido specialists covering business, tourism, and gambling addiction prevention. Its debut session on Saturday explored ideal scales and roles for regional IR facilities. Members from the Hokkaido Economic Federation and tourism sectors voiced optimism about economic upsides, while addiction experts flagged potential risks and mitigation steps.
A follow-up meeting has been organized on February 3 to take advantage of such interactions. The group’s input will feed into formalizing Hokkaido’s core IR approach, helping navigate the path to a possible 2027 bid.
Regional IR Visions Take Shape
With MGM Osaka, valued at JPY1.51 trillion (about US$9.57 billion), slated to open late 2030 as the first-round’s lone outcome, eyes turn northward. Recent signals from Wakayama and Fukuoka indicate they may sit out the next round too. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, sees opportunity in differentiating its proposal, perhaps through facilities attuned to rural dynamics rather than dense urban demands.
Suzuki reiterated that a Hokkaido-tailored IR would diverge from bids in major population centers, emphasizing community fit and sustainable growth. By fostering these discussions early, the prefecture positions itself thoughtfully amid evolving national policies.
Balancing Opportunities and Concerns
The number of IR licenses in Japan is capped at three, and there is still potential for further licenses beyond Osaka. Hokkaido’s proactive steps, from policy revisions to expert consultations, reflect a measured revival of interest post its 2019 withdrawal. Lawmakers in Tokyo now face calls to refine the process, ensuring a broader appeal for peripheral areas seeking tourism and development boosts.
As panels convene and timelines firm up, Hokkaido’s efforts highlight a push for inclusive growth in Japan’s casino liberalization experiment. Local voices stress adapting IRs to island realities, from economic promise to social safeguards.
Source: GGR Asia
