Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture has launched a bidding process to select a service provider to conduct research related to the possible establishment of an integrated resort (IR) with casino in the prefecture (pictured).
According to information released on March 23, the contract period for the work will run from the date of signing through January 29, 2027.
The scope of work includes the creation of an overall IR development schedule, as well as the implementation of a series of surveys and analyses related to a potential casino resort in Hokkaido, according to information collated by GGRAsia’s correspondent in Japan.
These tasks include assessing the feasibility of a large-scale IR in the prefecture; conducting interviews with three IR operators; examining a business model suited to Hokkaido; and attending expert panel meetings organised by the prefectural government.
The selected provider will also be required to compile reports based on those discussions, according to the tender documents.
The prefectural authorities in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, plan to revise the prefecture’s ‘basic stance” on IR’ by the autumn this year. That would mention the recommended location for a casino complex within Hokkaido.
In February, Hokkaido earmarked JPY9.98 million (US$62,439 currently) for research and a review on having an IR, as part of the prefecture’s fiscal-year 2026 draft budget.
Tomakomai city, a port metropolis on the central south coast of Hokkaido, has been the only place in the prefecture so far publicly to affirm its interest in hosting a casino resort.
A national-level Cabinet Order confirmed on March 10 that the application period for a second round of IR bids by local governments will run in a May to November, 2027 window.
Local authorities will need to partner with the commercial sector for heir ‘IR District Development Plan’ for consideration by Japan’s central authorities.
