A draft document on Hokkaido’s policy for an integrated resort (IR) with casino has mentioned a requirement for over 2,000 hotel rooms, as the Japanese prefecture freshly explores the possibility of hosting such a complex.
The prefectural authorities hosted late last month a third meeting of Hokkaido’s ‘IR expert panel’, according to GGRAsia’s correspondent in Japan. A representative of KPMG AZSA LLC attended the meeting, as the professional services firm has again been selected to advise the prefectural government.
The panel arrangement – featuring academics, and specialists in the field of gambling addiction – was formed against the backdrop of Japan’s announced second round for IR host-community applications, which will run from May 2027 to early November 2027.
At the meeting, the prefecture presented an interim summary of ‘The basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture’ and ‘The Hokkaido-style IR concept’ and a timeline to finalise them.
The draft documents flag a total floor area of at least 100,000 square metres (1.08-million sq. feet) for the accommodation portion of any eventual casino resort to be hosted by Hokkaido. It also mentions a range of 2,300 to nearly 2,800 hotel rooms.
A key part of Hokkaido’s IR concept should involve “leveraging regional characteristics different from major metropolitan areas,” according to the reference materials issued by the prefecture.
Hokkaido’s particular IR facilities might highlight “nature, food, history and culture”, with reference to the seasons in Japan’s northernmost main island.
Hokkaido prefecture had expressed interest in hosting an IR prior to the first application round, but eventually dropped out of contention in late 2019, before the first round began.
KPMG had been advising Hokkaido prior to its decision regarding the first round, per GGRAsia’s correspondent.
Another meeting of the prefecture’s IR expert panel is due within this month. In June, Hokkaido is due to present a “preliminary draft” of its IR basic stance and of its IR concept, with those papers likely to be finalised by October.
Earlier comment by Hokkaido suggested that its IR-advisor partner will assist with research on the topic, including “interviews” with a selection of casino resort operators.
