The Japan Tourism Agency has announced its intention to accept applications from local governments for a six-month period, starting from 6 May 2027, for additional development areas for integrated resorts (IRs) with casino gaming, according to multiple local media reports.
The agency on Wednesday published a draft Cabinet order outlining the next application window for municipalities interested in hosting an IR with a casino. The draft is now out for public opinion, after which time it will be formally adopted as a regulation under the Integrated Resorts Act.
The application period will officially run from 6 May to 5 November 2027 with a handful of localities, including Hokkaido and Nagasaki, expected to apply. Nagasaki was one of two applicants under the previous round but was rejected due to uncertainty around its financing plans and lack of experience in operating large-scale IRs.
With the IR Development Act stipulating that a maximum of three locations can be selected nationwide, and with only MGM’s Osaka project having been successful during the original application round, the government can issue up to two more licenses in a second round of applications.
Shigeki Murata, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, said Wednesday, “The development and promotion of IRs will contribute to the promotion of stay-based tourism. This is an important measure toward realizing a tourism-oriented nation.”
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