Japan Sets 2027 Window for Next Integrated Resort Casino Bids

Japan government confirmed the next application period for casino resort projects. A Cabinet Order issued Tuesday sets May 6, 2027 through November 5, 2027 as the timeline for local governments seeking approval to host an integrated resort with a casino.

Order takes effect March 13. Authorities from Japan Tourism Agency and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will review submissions from eligible jurisdictions.

Good to Know

• Japan confirmed May 6 to November 5, 2027 as the next IR casino application window
• Local governments must partner with private investors to submit proposals
• Osaka remains the only approved casino resort project in Japan so far

Eligible applicants include prefectures or ordinance designated cities under the Act on Development of Specified Integrated Resort Districts, often referred to as the IR District Development Act. Local governments must partner with private sector investors before submitting an Integrated Resort District Development Plan.

Japan Tourism Agency has not confirmed which prefectures plan to submit proposals during the second round. Interest from regional governments continues to develop as officials examine economic potential tied to tourism and entertainment investment.

Timeline of Key Integrated Resort Developments

• December 2023 – First IR application round concludes with Osaka selected as the only approved casino resort project
• February 18, 2026 – Sanae Takaichi forms a new cabinet after winning a parliamentary supermajority
• February 25, 2026 – Aichi prefecture opens public consultation on a possible casino resort near Chubu Centrair International Airport
• February 27, 2026 – Hokkaido announces plans to revise policy regarding a possible integrated resort bid
• March 13, 2026 – Cabinet Order confirming second application window takes effect
• May 6 to November 5, 2027 – Official second round application period for IR proposals

Political support for the casino resort program continues under the current government. Instructions from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to promote development of integrated resorts and attract international tourism investment.

Large scale resort development remains the central goal of the IR policy. Projects combine casino gaming with hotels, convention centers, entertainment venues, and tourism infrastructure designed to draw global visitors.

Japan first IR license already went to Osaka. MGM Osaka, a partnership involving MGM Resorts International and Japanese partner Orix, carries an estimated development cost of JPY1.51 trillion, or roughly $9.56 billion. Opening is expected around 2030.

Global casino operators continue to monitor future opportunities in Japan. Galaxy Entertainment Group previously indicated the country remains a highly attractive destination for integrated resort investment.

Soo Kim, chairman of casino operator Bally’s Corp, recently shared a similar view regarding long term opportunities., saying that “Japan has a large population and is an extremely attractive market.”

The post Japan Sets 2027 Window for Next Integrated Resort Casino Bids appeared first on iGaming.org.