Japan may approve two more casino resorts by 2027, eyes on Tokyo and Hokkaido

Japan may approve two additional integrated casino resorts by late 2027 as it seeks to revive momentum behind its long-delayed gambling industry push, according to report. Tokyo and Hokkaido have emerged as potential candidates in a move that could reignite global investor interest.

Under a 2018 law permitting up to three integrated resorts (IRs), only one license has been approved so far – the MGM Osaka project. But with construction underway and local opposition to casinos easing in some areas, the government may begin a new round of bidding later this year, the Hokkaido Shimbun reported on Tuesday.

“When the government conducted an unofficial survey of intentions in November last year, it was also found that several prefectures, including Hokkaido, which postponed the application for certification, responded that they were ‘interested,’” the newspaper reported.

The possibility of Tokyo entering the fray could transform Japan’s casino landscape. The capital region, home to over 37 million people, was long seen as the top prize for international gaming operators, but political hesitation and public opposition previously made approval unlikely.

A new bid from Tokyo could spark intense competition among global gaming firms, especially as opportunities dwindle in other key markets such as Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore, where licensing processes are closed or tightly restricted.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, also remains a contender. Though it lacks Tokyo’s scale, its population of 5.1 million and prior interest from international operators — including Hard Rock International, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, and Rush Street Japan — keep it on the radar.

Still, past concerns may re-emerge. “Even when the road did not approve the application, there were concerns about the impact on the natural environment and the faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Hokkaido in the ruling party of the Hokkaido Diet failed to come together, and there is a possibility that a similar discussion will occur this time,” the Hokkaido Shimbun added.

Japan’s initial attempt to build a regulated casino industry was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty over national gaming regulations. The stalled rollout prompted several major international operators to scale back or withdraw their bids.