The Hokkaido government in Japan has released a preliminary draft of its policy framework on integrated resorts (IRs) with casino, setting out the purpose and direction for a potential IR project in the prefecture. The document, however, does not state whether the local authorities will seek national approval for such a development.
‘The basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture’ was made public on Tuesday following its presentation a day earlier to a committee of the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly.
It is intended to serve as the foundation for governor Naomichi Suzuki’s eventual decision on whether Hokkaido (pictured) should prepare and submit an IR District Development Plan to the national government.
The next IR application window set by the national government – open to prefectures and so-called ordinance-level cities – is between May 6, 2027 and November 5, 2027.
The draft published on Tuesday focuses on two main themes: the purpose of an IR development and the direction of a potential Hokkaido casino resort. It argues that a casino resort could help boost tourism demand, expand visitor spending across the prefecture, generate broad economic benefits, and provide funding for social welfare and cultural initiatives through casino-related levies.
Under the proposed vision, a Hokkaido IR would aim to serve as an international gateway linking Hokkaido with the rest of Japan and overseas markets, support growth in local industries, and improve residents’ quality of life through enhanced public services and cultural offerings.
The draft emphasises the use of Hokkaido’s natural environment, food resources, culture and regional attractions as core elements of the resort concept.
The policy framework also stresses that any future IR should be sustainable, minimise reliance on casino operations, adopt advanced technologies, and incorporate effective measures against gambling addiction, money laundering and other potential social impacts.
The draft says core non-gaming facilities should be profitable on a standalone basis and generate sustainable visitor demand, while casino revenue would support reinvestment in facilities and provide broader social benefits.
The document notes that the environment surrounding IR development has changed significantly since Hokkaido first adopted an IR policy in 2019. Hokkaido had expressed interest in hosting an IR prior to the first application round, but eventually dropped out of contention in late 2019, before the first round began.
Despite detailing the vision for a potential casino resort, the preliminary draft does not specify whether Hokkaido should ultimately proceed with an IR bid. It also makes no reference to any candidate host municipality.
That omission has drawn attention in local media reports, according to GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent, given that Tomakomai was seen as Hokkaido’s preferred candidate location.
The prefecture said several issues require further examination before a final version of the policy can be completed. These include the overall direction of a Hokkaido IR, the effectiveness of measures to address gambling addiction, and the role an IR could play in resolving regional challenges.
The Hokkaido government now plans to conduct interviews with IR operators and related businesses, as well as with municipalities across the prefecture.
The timetable for finalising the policy remains unchanged. A final draft of the document is due to be presented to the prefectural assembly in September, with Hokkaido’s basic position on the matter expected to be finalised in October, according to GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent.
Japan’s only approved casino project is the JPY1.51-trillion (US$9.42-billion currently) MGM Osaka. It involves Osaka city and prefecture, and their commercial partners MGM Resorts International, Japan’s Orix Corp, and other local companies, and is due to be completed by the end of 2030
