Japan’s Tourism Agency confirmed a new six-month bidding round for integrated resort licences, running from May to November 2027. Two licences are available; Hokkaido and Nagasaki are identified as possible bidders, while Hard Rock International has been proposed as a partner for a Hokkaido project.
The timetable gives potential bidders a defined window to pursue either of Japan’s two available 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.
The Illinois Gaming Board voted on 23 April to renew Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s operating licence for four years, retroactive to January 2026. The board’s administrator also reminded casino, video gaming and sports wagering licensees of their responsibilities under updated advertising and marketing rules.
Resorts World New York City began offering live table games at its Queens venue, according to the report. The renovated third floor has about 200 tables, including blackjack, baccarat, roulette and craps. The expansion follows the award of one of New York’s three downstate casino licences in December.