Published on: December 19, 2025, 08:37h.
Updated on: December 19, 2025, 08:38h.
- Japan is preparing for another round of casino license bidding.
- Japan has two integrated resort permits yet to be issued.
In 2018, Japan sanctioned up to three casino projects; however, after seven years, only one integrated resort (IR) has been fully approved.
Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, has long been an ally of Shinzo Abe. A dedicated proponent of Abenomics— the economic policies of the former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader who held office from 2012 to 2020— Takaichi aims to boost IR developments to enhance tax revenues and economic gains from both local and international tourism.
Abe, who was tragically assassinated in 2022, was behind the 2018 casino legislation. He believed that casino resorts could transform Japan into a more appealing destination for leisure tourism across Asia and elevate its status as a venue for significant conventions and exhibitions.
Upcoming Bidding Round
Japan’s protracted regulatory framework has led most casino enterprises to withdraw their interest in investments within the country. Major players like Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Hard Rock, Melco Resorts, Genting, and Caesars Entertainment expressed discontent with the slow bidding process, which was further hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting their exit.
Once hailed as a prime market opportunity since Macau in China, Japan only attracted two proposals. MGM Resorts secured the rights to establish a multibillion-dollar IR in partnership with Orix Corporation in Osaka. Meanwhile, a bid for a Nagasaki casino by Casinos Austria was declined over funding issues.
GGRAsia, an online platform covering casino updates across Asia, reports that Japan has launched a public comment initiative set to run until January 16, 2026, aimed at measuring public support for additional casinos.
The Japan Tourism Agency plans to officially initiate the second IR bidding process on May 6, 2027. Interested casinos and their local partners can submit development proposals until November 5, 2027.
The Japan Tourism Agency is a division of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, which oversees one-third of Japan’s legislation and is the largest ministry by employee count.
Nagasaki’s Renewed Bid
Reports indicate that Nagasaki and Hokkaido are two prefectures keen on participating in the second IR bidding process. Japan’s casino legislation permits IR establishments only in areas that express a desire for gaming operations.
MGM Osaka is set for a grand opening in 2030. The $8.9 billion venture is transforming the man-made island of Yumeshima into an entertainment and hospitality hub, featuring 2,500 hotel rooms, a 3,500-seat theater, 400,000 square feet of meeting and event space, numerous dining venues, shopping experiences, and a public park.
Details on the number of slot machines and table games within the Osaka casino remain undisclosed. However, local regulations stipulate that the gaming area cannot exceed 3% of the total indoor space of the resort.