Key Moments:
- The Japanese government has maintained its timeline to open the IR licensing process by April.
- Only three integrated resort licenses are intended to be selected within a year, though the final number may be lower.
- Ongoing uncertainties among prefectures, especially after developments in Yokohama, could affect how many licenses are ultimately granted.
Shifting Landscape of Integrated Resort Applications
The Japanese government’s plan to kick off the integrated resort (IR) licensing process by April has experienced repeated delays, but remains on track. Authorities intend to choose three licensees within the subsequent year. However, questions persist as to whether all three licenses will be distributed.
Prefectural Uncertainty May Impact Licensing Outcome
There is ongoing ambiguity concerning which prefectures will submit applications. The situation in Yokohama, described as a series of sudden reversals, illustrates the unpredictability of the process. This creates the possibility that some prefectures might submit applications at the last minute to vie for a coveted license. Alternatively, the process may culminate with only two licenses awarded rather than the anticipated three.
Industry Experts Weigh In on Challenges
Toru Mihara, chair of the National Council on Gaming Legislation, Ayako Nakayama, director at the Japan IR Association, and Brendan Bussmann have offered their perspectives on these ongoing challenges. They examine the obstacles facing the development of Japan’s IR sector and provide their forecasts for how the landscape may evolve once the selection process concludes.
- Author
Daniel Williams
