Japan Eyes Two New Integrated Resort Licences by 2027

Japan’s long-stalled casino expansion may soon roar back to life.

Reports suggest the Japanese government is preparing to open applications for two new integrated resort (IR) licences, aiming for approvals by the end of 2027.

This move could reignite global investment interest, create new tourism hubs, and reshape Japan’s entertainment and hospitality sectors.

Let’s explore the key regions in contention, the lessons from Japan’s first IR project, and the implications for the global gambling industry.

Japan Set to Revive Casino Expansion: Two New Integrated Resort Licences on the Horizon

3 Key Points

• Japan may approve two new IR licences by 2027, with Hokkaido, Yokohama, and Tokyo emerging as potential hosts.
• Wakayama may re-enter the race after withdrawing its initial bid in 2022 due to local opposition.
• MGM Osaka remains Japan’s only approved IR, slated to open in 2030 as a US$8.9 billion mega-resort.

Japan’s Casino Vision Gains New Momentum

Japan originally planned to approve three integrated resorts as part of its ambitious IR framework.
However, only one project—MGM Osaka—secured approval in the initial round.

Now, the government appears ready to revive its original vision.
According to Hokkaido Shimbun, Japanese officials have reached out to prefectures previously interested in hosting IRs.

Regions such as:

• Hokkaido
• Yokohama
• Tokyo

are being closely watched as potential contenders.
Tokyo, in particular, draws attention due to its world-class transport, infrastructure, and massive tourism base, despite no formal bid being filed yet.

Wakayama Eyes a Comeback

Wakayama Prefecture initially participated in Japan’s first IR bidding round.
However, its bid collapsed in 2022 when the local assembly rejected the development plan.

In March, Governor Shuhei Kishimoto signaled Wakayama’s renewed interest.
He confirmed that if Japan reopens bidding, the prefecture will actively consider submitting a new proposal.

This marks a major shift and positions Wakayama as a potential dark horse in the competition.

MGM Osaka: Japan’s First and Only Approved IR

While other regions prepare bids, MGM Osaka is already under construction on Yumeshima Island.

The project is a joint venture between:

• Orix Group
• MGM Resorts International
• A consortium of Japanese investors

Ed Bowers, MGM Resorts’ president of global development, recently confirmed construction is on schedule.
The resort is set to open by autumn 2030, following completion in the summer.

Key features include:

• 2,500 hotel rooms
• 400,000 square feet of conference space
• 330,000 square feet of exhibition space
• A 3,500-seat theater
• A casino floor hosting 470 table games and 6,400 slot machines

With a price tag of JPY1.27 trillion (US$8.9 billion), MGM Osaka will set the benchmark for Japan’s IR ambitions.

What This Means for Japan and Global Gaming

The reopening of the IR licensing process signals Japan’s determination to establish itself as a premier gambling destination in Asia.

Benefits may include:

• Massive tourism influx from Asia-Pacific and beyond
• Job creation across hospitality, entertainment, and gaming sectors
• New foreign investment from major casino operators eager to tap Japan’s lucrative market

For global operators, Japan represents one of the last great untapped markets.
MGM Osaka’s success—or failure—will likely shape investor sentiment toward future Japanese IR projects.

Japan’s potential move to award two additional IR licences by 2027 represents a dramatic shift in its gaming landscape.
Regions like Hokkaido, Yokohama, and Tokyo are emerging as serious contenders, while Wakayama is eager for redemption.

With MGM Osaka set to open by 2030, the world will soon see whether Japan can transform its long-held ambitions into a world-class gambling and entertainment destination.

As global operators prepare their bids, one thing is clear: Japan’s next phase of casino development will attract intense competition—and global attention.