Japan’s cabinet confirmed that local governments can apply for integrated resort licences from 7 May to 5 November 2027. The six-month window covers two licences not awarded in the first round, which ended in 2023.
Local governments have a defined six-month period to seek either of the two remaining integrated resort licences.
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Oto town plans to submit its integrated resort proposal to Fukuoka prefecture in October and seek prefectural assembly consideration in December, Mayor Joji Nagahara said. The town needs prefectural backing to advance the proposal as Japan prepares to accept new IR applications in 2027.
Aichi Prefecture has launched a request for proposals as it considers an integrated resort bid in Japan, according to the report. The prefecture selected a site at Chubu Centrair International Airport; applications for the country’s second bidding window are due from 6 May through 5 November 2027.
Hokkaido announced a tender on 23 March for research into whether to pursue an integrated resort with a casino. The selected provider will assess feasibility, interview three IR operators and help prepare a development schedule; the contract is due to run through 29 January 2027.
Hokkaido Prefecture said three foreign casino operators and 12 domestic companies responded to its inquiry about a possible integrated resort. Japan is expected to hold a second casino bidding round in 2027, while Hokkaido, Wakayama and Sasebo have expressed interest in potential developments.
Hokkaido is reportedly weighing a bid for a casino resort in Sapporo and may seek interest from international casino companies and banks. Japan’s government is expected to reopen applications for two remaining integrated resort licences in 2027; the report said only MGM Osaka had been approved so far.