Key Moments:
- Hokkaido prepared a draft position paper for the prefectural assembly on November 26 to advance a potential integrated resort bid.
- A survey of all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido was conducted to inform the proposal on the IR concept.
- Tomakomai is recognized as the leading candidate for hosting the integrated resort, supported by nearby municipalities.
Strategic Evaluation for Integrated Resort Opportunity
Hokkaido will present a preliminary policy document to its prefectural assembly that examines the prospect of developing an integrated resort (IR) with a casino component. Although the document stops short of naming a final site, it places Tomakomai at the front of the shortlist and clearly outlines the evaluation criteria and potential societal impacts that shape Hokkaido’s bid.
Core Elements of the Position Paper
The document highlights four central themes: the region’s overall goals for hosting an IR; the scale and defining features of the envisioned development; evaluations of potential host locations; and detailed plans to reduce the social risks associated with gambling.These focal points aim to create a balance between the region’s economic ambitions and safeguards for community welfare.
Insights from Municipal Survey
To build a broad foundation of feedback, the Hokkaido government conducted an extensive survey in August and engaged all 179 municipalities for their views on the IR initiative. The collected feedback serves as a foundation for the policy direction now under consideration.
National Context: IR Expansion Policies
This renewed focus coincides with potential nationwide movement to reopen Japan’s IR application process, potentially as early as 2026. Hokkaido did not participate in the first round in 2019, unlike Nagasaki, which was unsuccessful due to financial concerns. Now, stronger national leadership, along with ministry-level guidance, is pushing more prefectures to re-evaluate their stance on IR development.
Tomakomai at the Forefront, Local Dynamics Vary
Several municipalities around Tomakomai have voiced strong support for its potential IR site, noting advantages such as airport proximity and abundant natural features that could help establish a diverse tourism hub. However, support is not uniform across the prefecture – Hakodate’s mayor recently shared that the city is not positioned to pursue an IR bid, although earlier surveys indicated some interest.
Focus on Sustainable Growth and Social Responsibility
The draft paper outlines a vision that prioritizes both economic growth and long-term sustainability. It also stresses environmental stewardship, the reinforcement of social policies, and the deployment of effective measures to prevent gambling-related harm. Tomakomai’s location is seen as particularly beneficial due to its logistic and natural advantages.
Influence of Early IR Developments
Japan saw its first IR license granted to Osaka, with the MGM Osaka project slated for debut in 2030. That project, led by MGM Resorts International and partners like Orix Corp, is expected to serve as a benchmark as additional regions, including Hokkaido, move forward with their own initiatives.
Upcoming Steps: Legislative Deliberation and Future Direction
With the draft paper soon to be introduced to Hokkaido’s assembly, the next phase will focus on legislative debates and resolutions that will shape the prefecture’s approach to integrated resort development. These decisions are anticipated to play a decisive role not only in the local economic landscape but in defining the broader trajectory of casino-integrated resorts throughout Japan.
| Region | Position on IR Bid | Recent Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Tomakomai | Leading candidate, supported by nearby municipalities | Identified in policy draft, benefits from local backing |
| Hakodate | Not seeking IR bid currently | Mayor expressed no current interest, despite prior survey curiosity |
- Author
Daniel Williams
