Japan Re-enters Casino Operating Permit Competition; Aiming for Two New Gaming Hotspots by 2027
By: Lucas Dunn05/08/2025 01:08 World Photo by Pexels, CC0 1.0
MGM Osaka stands as the sole approved Integrated Resort (IR) in Japan, but the scene is set to heat up as Hokkaido and Tokyo express renewed interest in the lucrative casino market. With regulatory reforms geared toward revitalizing stalled casino projects, Japan is poised to captivate the international casino industry like never before.
Rich Picks: Hokkaido and Tokyo in the Game
Hokkaido and Tokyo, two prominent Japanese regions, are reigniting their interest in the race for IR licenses. Hokkaido had initially considered bidding but delayed its application, only to surface once more, hand in hand with Tokyo, with its eyes on the prize of hosting a casino[2][4]. The prospective moves come in line with the Japanese government's ambitions to exploit the 2018 law permitting up to three casino hotels – a provision aimed at boosting the country's status on the global casino stage[2][4].
Timeline: Gearing Up for New IR Players
The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission is all set to relaunch the application process for IR licenses, targeting the approval of an additional two projects by 2027's end. Before the grand unveiling, host districts must draw up "IR District Development Plans" – a requirement mandated by Japan's casino regulations. A public comment period is slated to kick off in August 2025, giving the public an opportunity to share their thoughts on the new licensing cycle[4].
[1] Sato, H. (2023). The Evolving Casino Landscape in Japan. Japan Casino Review.
[2] Oshita, K. (2024). Tokyo Ready to Take a Chance on Casinos. Tokyo Reporter.
[3] Iwamoto, T. (2024). MGM Celebrates Groundbreaking of MGM Osaka. Japan Times.
[4] Sato, H. (2025). Casino Revival: Japan to Reopen IR License Bidding for Two Projects. Japan Gazette.
Sports enthusiasts in Japan might find free spins at an integrated resort (IR) in Tokyo or Hokkaido, as both regions show renewed interest in the casino market. As the Japanese government aims to capitalize on the 2018 law permitting up to three casino hotels, the race for IR licenses is heating up, with the JCRC planning to approve two additional projects by 2027's end.
