Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan, is actively considering a bid to establish the country’s second integrated casino-resort. This comes as development progresses on MGM Osaka, which is set to open in 2030 as Japan’s first integrated resort. The Japanese government has expressed intentions to approve two additional integrated resort projects, yet local governments have been reluctant to embrace the idea of gambling facilities until now.
In recent months, both Aichi and Hokkaido have signaled a willingness to submit bids before the government's 2027 deadline. Aichi's plans are more advanced, currently in search of developers and investors, while Hokkaido appears to be preparing to catch up in its proposal process.
Hokkaido is renowned for its volcanoes, ski areas, and hot springs. Last year, it attracted a record 12.82 million inbound visitors, reflecting a nearly 30% increase compared to 2024. This trend continued into 2024, marking another 44% increase in tourism, signaling its strong standing as a tourism hub.
Officials from Hokkaido first considered a bid for an integrated resort at the close of the last decade, identifying Tomakomai as a potential location. About 30 kilometers south of New Chitose Airport, Tomakomai hosts numerous hotels and convention centers suitable for tourists.
However, the Prefectural Government put the plans on hold in 2019 due to environmental concerns. Recently, similar to Aichi, Hokkaido officials have begun reassessing these proposals with a revised report presented by the IR expert panel to the prefectural assembly in June.
This updated report proposes measures to address legislative concerns, including initiatives aimed at preventing gambling addiction, should Hokkaido proceed with its bid. This encompasses strict entry protocols at the resort, the formation of a casino management committee, and improved access to counseling services for individuals affected by gambling addiction.
During a meeting on July 16, the expert panel detailed its revised proposal to lawmakers and stakeholders. Yet skepticism remains regarding the necessity of the project. Noriko Tanaka, head of the Tokyo-based NGO The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction, emphasized the critical nature of creating countermeasures against gambling addiction before advancing on gambling infrastructure. Tanaka pointed out the social repercussions of addiction, including the potential for increased crime and family breakdowns.
Critics at the meeting questioned whether the integrated resort operator should cover all addiction mitigation costs and called for clarification on the site selection process for the resort. Hokkaido officials committed to refining their plans, with further details expected to be presented in a September assembly meeting.
The proposal suggests establishing a special-purpose company to manage the integrated resort and advocates for the involvement of local businesses in the developer consortium. The panel envisions that the project would enhance tourism, attracting wealthier visitors to Hokkaido, alongside an extensive hotel complex with up to 2,800 rooms.
Meanwhile, several prefectures, including Yokohama, Wakayama, and Miyagi, have scrapped their bids between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, Nagasaki's proposal was rejected by the national government due to concerns regarding its financing and the credibility of prospective investors.
