3 casino operators and 12 domestic firms reply to Hokkaido IR questionnaires

Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture says three existing operators overseas of casino integrated resorts (IRs) and 12 domestic companies have replied to questionnaires it organised, canvassing investor interest in Hokkaido as a casino-resort location. The information was posted by the prefecture following a Monday meeting – the sixth – of Hokkaido’s “IR expert panel” examining the topic. The meeting also affirmed that the prefecture would move to the phase of considering a candidate location in Hokkaido for a casino resort. As of June, Hokkaido had still been mulling whether to pursue an IR bid. The prefecture’s latest statement noted: “The prefecture sent questionnaires to overseas IR operators and domestic IR-related companies. Three IR operators and 12 domestic companies replied.” That is according to a review of the materials by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent. Under Japan’s casino liberalisation setup, prefectures or ordinance-level cities interested in hosting an IR are required to see a casino operator team with local private-sector businesses before pitching a bid to the national authorities. Hokkaido noted in its update: “In terms of IR operators, one operator is quite clear that the prefecture is the most important target area in Japan and can support a quite competitive IR, which other areas are not able to realise.” The prefecture did not name the operators or the domestic firms that responded. The local government nonetheless added, citing the would-investor’s responses: “The strengths of the prefecture to host an IR are rich natural and cultural attractions, excellent transportation capabilities and an untapped market.” Hokkaido also noted: “In terms of IR operators, one operator said that the MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions] facilities’ size requirements under the IR Act are acceptable and there is no need to change them.” Industry experts spoken to recently by GGRAsia on the prospects for the second round of IR-site applications had mentioned the possibility that non-metropolitan areas might find it hard to support the level of facilities and investment envisaged under the IR Act – the enabling legislation. The window for second round of applications is due to run from May 6, 2027 to November 5, 2027. The Hokkaido authorities further noted: “The prefecture and the panel agreed that the prefecture is going to consider the candidate location from now on.” “The prefecture sent questionnaires to all the 179 municipalities in the prefecture: 172 municipalities replied as of August 17,” the prefecture added. “Tomakomai and Hakodate city said that they are interested in having an IR in the city.” Nonetheless, last month the mayor of Hakodate reaffirmed that his city was not currently in a position to put itself forward as a candidate in the 2027 application round. Tomakomai – an industrial port city on Hokkaido’s south central coast – has for some time been a front-runner as the prefecture’s candidate location for an IR. The prefecture presented the preliminary draft of ‘The basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture’ to the panel during the sixth meeting. Next month, the prefecture will present a draft of the basic stance and of the IR concept to the prefectural assembly. In October, ‘The basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture’ and ‘The Hokkaido-Style IR Concept’ are due to be finalised.