Months after MGM Osaka held its groundbreaking ceremony for Japan’s first integrated resort (IR) in April, the national government is now preparing to launch a second round of applications. The move could see up to two additional IR projects approved by the end of 2027, further expanding the country’s regulated gambling and tourism sector.
Naoya Haraikawa, commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, confirmed the plans during a tourism promotion forum in Hokkaido. “The next round of IR applications should not be far off,” he said, according to local media.
Focus on regional growth beyond urban centres
Haraikawa noted that while casinos are the main revenue generators for IRs, Japan’s vision is broader: “What the government wants is to develop new tourist hubs equipped with other attractive tourism facilities in one place.”
Japan’s legal framework allows for a maximum of three IR licences. The first round, completed in 2023, received only two bids — one from Osaka and one from Nagasaki. Only Osaka’s proposal, led by MGM Resorts and Orix Corp, was approved. The JPY1.27-trillion ($8.81 billion) MGM Osaka IR is expected to open in 2030, featuring 2,500 hotel rooms, a 3,500-seat theatre, spa facilities, dining and retail spaces, as well as 400,000 square feet of conference space. The casino floor will be limited to just 3% of the resort’s total indoor area.
Nagasaki’s bid failed to meet several government requirements, while Hokkaido, once a potential candidate, had withdrawn due to local opposition and environmental concerns. However, with growing support from the Hokkaido Economic Federation and comments from Tomakomai’s new mayor Suguru Kanazawa, the region may re-enter the race.
Wakayama Prefecture, which previously dropped its bid, is also reconsidering participation. Governor Izumi Miyazaki recently said that the prefecture would be open to exploring a new application.
Japan continues crackdown on illegal online gambling
Alongside the push for regulated land-based casinos, Japan is taking strong action against illegal online gambling. Authorities have increased efforts to block access to offshore websites that offer services in Japanese and accept Yen.
Government officials revealed that over 3 million Japanese residents have accessed these illegal platforms. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has asked regulators in eight jurisdictions — including Curacao, Malta, Georgia, and the Isle of Man — to shut down such sites. Most of these platforms are reportedly registered in Curacao.
Unlike many countries that focus on penalising operators, Japan is also arresting users of illegal gambling services, showing its intent to combat unlicensed activity on all fronts. The latest developments indicate Japan’s dual-track strategy: building a controlled, legal gambling environment while firmly shutting down unauthorised operators.
