Casino License Bidding Period in Japan Announced

Government of Japan  has officially announced the reopening of its casino licensing process, with the bidding period for two additional integrated resort (IR) licenses set to begin on May 6, 2027, and conclude on November 5. This development follows the country’s 2018 authorization of up to three IRs, though only MGM Osaka—scheduled to open in 2030—has been approved to date.

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the government is determined to avoid the delays and setbacks that hindered the first bidding round. The Cabinet Order, “Basic Plan for Promoting Japan as a Tourism Nation,” outlines policies to enhance Japan’s competitiveness in the MICE sector and attract international visitors. The goal is to draw 60 million foreign tourists by 2030, with annual spending reaching ¥15 trillion (US$94.5 billion).

Key regions like Hokkaido and Aichi are already preparing bids. Aichi, home to Nagoya—the fourth-largest city in Japan with over 2.3 million residents—and Hokkaido’s Sapporo (nearly 2 million) are seen as strong contenders. The government’s tourism targets are ambitious, with 2025 already seeing 42.7 million international visitors—a 16% increase from 2024—and foreign spending of ¥9.5 trillion.

Yet, past attempts to secure IR licenses have faced challenges. The withdrawal of Las Vegas Sands in 2020, led by the late Sheldon Adelson, set a precedent for other major operators like Wynn Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting, and Melco Resorts to pull out. Adelson had criticized the licensing framework, stating, “While my positive feelings for Japan are undiminished, and I believe the country would benefit from the business and leisure tourism generated by an integrated resort, the framework around the development of an IR has made our goals there unreachable.”

With the second bidding round now confirmed, the focus shifts to whether Japan can refine its approach to attract the global operators needed to make its IR vision a reality.