TLDR Hokkaido received responses from 3 overseas casino operators and 12 domestic firms interested in an integrated resort. The responses came after the 6th meeting of Hokkaido’s IR expert panel. Tomakomai and Hakodate expressed interest in hosting an IR, though Hakodate’s position remains uncertain. 172 of Hokkaido’s 179 municipalities have responded to location questionnaires as of August 17. Japan’s second IR application round runs from May 6, 2027, to November 5, 2027.
Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture has received responses from casino operators and domestic firms interested in building an integrated resort in the region. Three overseas operators and twelve Japanese companies replied to questionnaires sent by the prefecture.
The information came out after the sixth meeting of Hokkaido’s IR expert panel. The panel reviewed the prefecture’s plans for a possible casino resort.
Hokkaido did not name any of the operators or companies that responded. This keeps the process private while the prefecture gathers information.
Operators Show Interest In Hokkaido
One of the responding operators said Hokkaido was its most important target area in Japan. The company said it could support a competitive resort in the region.
Other responses pointed to Hokkaido’s natural scenery and cultural attractions as reasons to build there. Transportation links and an untapped market were also listed as strengths.
One operator said the size rules for meeting and convention facilities under Japan’s IR Act were acceptable. The operator did not ask for those rules to change.
As of June, Hokkaido had not decided whether to pursue an integrated resort at all. The new responses give the prefecture more information as it weighs the decision.
Location Review Moves Forward
Hokkaido and the expert panel agreed to begin reviewing possible locations for a resort. The prefecture sent questionnaires to all 179 municipalities within its borders.
As of
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