Japan to Welcome New Casino Resort Applications in 2027

New Opportunities for Integrated Resort Developments

Japan’s Tourism Agency is preparing to open a new window for local governments interested in developing integrated resorts that include casino facilities. The application period will span six months, beginning on May 6, 2027, and closing on November 5, 2027.

Upcoming Public Consultations

Earlier this week, an external agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism released a draft Cabinet order outlining the schedule for this new application process. The draft is currently under public review, and following feedback, it will be formally adopted as part of the regulations defined by Japan’s Integrated Resorts Act.

Several local governments, such as Hokkaido and Nagasaki, plan to submit their applications during this period. Nagasaki has previous experience with the bidding process but was unsuccessful in the last round due to concerns over funding and a lack of expertise in managing large-scale integrated resorts.

Availability of Two More Integrated Resort Licenses

The Integrated Resort Development Act limits Japan to selecting a maximum of three integrated resort locations nationwide. One license has already been granted to MGM for its Osaka project, which is currently under construction. This ambitious development is projected to cost around $8.6 billion and will occupy 52 acres on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.

The Osaka resort will feature three hotels under distinct brands, offering a combined total of 2,500 rooms. Additionally, it will include a 730,000-square-foot convention center, with the casino occupying about 3% of the total indoor space.

With one license awarded, two additional licenses remain available for selection during the upcoming application round.

Boosting Tourism Through Integrated Resorts

Shigeki Murata, commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, emphasized the significance of developing integrated resorts, highlighting their role in enhancing tourism by encouraging longer stays. Murata described these initiatives as critical steps toward establishing Japan as a leading tourism-oriented nation.