Government sets 2027 timeline for fresh casino bids as political backing strengthens under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
The Japanese government has formally signalled its intention to accelerate the development of integrated resorts (IRs), setting the stage for a renewed expansion of land-based casino projects across the country. The move follows the release of a draft Cabinet order by the Japan Tourism Agency, outlining plans to reopen the application process for local governments seeking approval to host integrated resort developments.
Under the proposed framework, a new application window will run from 6 May 2027 to 5 November 2027. During this period, prefectures and designated cities will be permitted to submit development plans in partnership with private-sector operators. In line with the Integrated Resort Implementation Act passed in 2018, the central government may certify up to three integrated resort projects nationwide.
To date, only one proposal has successfully navigated the approval process. The sole authorised development is the Osaka integrated resort, led by a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation. Construction on the ¥1.27 trillion (£6.4bn) project is already under way, with the resort expected to open its doors in 2030. The Osaka scheme has become the benchmark for future applications, both in scale and regulatory complexity.
The first application round, conducted in 2023, highlighted the political and social sensitivities surrounding casino development in Japan. Proposals from Nagasaki and Wakayama were rejected by the government, while Yokohama withdrew its bid altogether following public opposition and concerns over social impact. Despite those setbacks, both Nagasaki and Wakayama are widely expected to revisit their plans ahead of the 2027 window. Hokkaido has also indicated interest, citing the potential economic benefits of tourism-led regeneration.
Each prospective host region will be required to submit a comprehensive area development plan, including measures on tourism promotion, regional revitalisation, responsible gambling and financial sustainability. Previous bidding processes attracted interest from global gaming groups such as Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts and Hard Rock International, all of which could re-emerge as potential partners.
Political momentum behind the sector has increased following the election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s first female Prime Minister in October. A long-standing advocate of casino liberalisation, Takaichi moved quickly to urge the Tourism Minister to reignite efforts around integrated resorts as part of Japan’s broader economic growth strategy. Her earlier legislative work, including a 2013 bill supporting casino legalisation, helped lay the foundations for today’s IR framework.
However, while land-based casino ambitions are gathering pace, prospects remain bleak for online gaming reform. The Japanese government continues to prohibit iGaming, and Prime Minister Takaichi has adopted a firm stance against the sector, citing concerns over gambling-related harm. Despite the ban, authorities estimate that approximately ¥1.24 trillion (£6.2bn) is wagered annually through illegal online platforms, prompting further enforcement measures, including restrictions on overseas gambling advertisements.
As Japan prepares for its second round of integrated resort applications, the coming years are set to be decisive in shaping the country’s long-term casino landscape.
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