Hokkaido to survey casino firms this quarter ahead of IR bid
Hokkaido is set to survey casino operators, financial institutions and all 179 municipalities across the prefecture as it continues evaluating whether to enter Japan’s next integrated resort (IR) licensing round.
According to documents reviewed by GGRAsia, the questionnaire will be distributed between July and August and is expected to assess support for a potential Hokkaido IR project. The move marks the latest step in the prefecture’s ongoing review of a casino resort development ahead of Japan’s next IR application window in 2027.
The survey follows the release of a preliminary policy framework in June that outlined the purpose and direction of a possible Hokkaido integrated resort while stopping short of committing to a formal bid.
Hokkaido IR review enters consultation phase
The questionnaire will be sent to all municipalities in Hokkaido as well as selected casino operators and financial institutions. While officials have not disclosed the contents of the survey, its target audience suggests the prefecture is seeking feedback on market interest, investment appetite and local support for a future casino resort.
The findings are expected to help shape Hokkaido’s final position on whether it should pursue one of the remaining Japan casino licences available under the country’s integrated resort framework. Japan’s next IR application window is scheduled to run from 6 May 2027 to 5 November 2027, giving interested prefectures and ordinance-designated cities an opportunity to compete for up to two remaining licences.
Gambling addiction measures remain a key focus
Hokkaido’s preparations continued on 16 July with the fifth meeting of the prefecture’s IR expert panel. Discussions centred on refining two policy documents: ‘The Basic Stance on IR of Hokkaido Prefecture’ and the proposed ‘Hokkaido-Style IR Concept’, both of which are expected to guide future decision-making.
One of the most prominent topics was gambling addiction prevention. Noriko Tanaka, representative director of The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, delivered a presentation comparing Japan’s proposed responsible gambling framework with measures already operating in Singapore. Singapore’s regulatory model includes casino entry restrictions, exclusion programmes and visit limits overseen through the National Council on Problem Gambling under the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Hokkaido aims to finalise IR policy in October
Officials plan to submit draft versions of the two policy documents to the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly in September before adopting final versions in October. The documents are expected to play a central role in determining whether Governor Naomichi Suzuki proceeds with preparations for a formal IR District Development Plan.
In June, Hokkaido released a draft framework highlighting the potential economic benefits of an integrated resort, including increased tourism demand, higher visitor spending and additional funding for public initiatives through casino-related revenue.
The proposal also emphasised sustainability, regional development and reduced reliance on gaming revenue compared with traditional casino-led models.
Tomakomai remains the leading Hokkaido IR candidate
Recent developments continue to strengthen Tomakomai’s position as the most likely location for a future Hokkaido casino resort. A survey conducted by the prefecture last year found that only Tomakomai and Hakodate expressed interest in hosting an integrated resort.
Since then, Hakodate has effectively withdrawn from consideration. In September 2025, city officials stated that Hakodate was in no position to pursue an IR bid, citing a lack of local consensus and other challenges.
That leaves Tomakomai as the sole municipality still publicly supporting a casino resort project. The port city had previously been viewed as Hokkaido’s preferred candidate during preparations for Japan’s first IR licensing round before the prefectural government ultimately decided not to participate in 2019. Tomakomai has continued to signal support for a future bid and has incorporated IR-related activities into recent budget planning.
Japan IR competition gathers momentum
Hokkaido’s consultation process comes as interest grows ahead of Japan’s second integrated resort licensing round. Aichi Prefecture is already advancing its own plans and recently extended deadlines in its request-for-proposal process after prospective participants requested more time to evaluate the project’s viability.
At the same time, suppliers are positioning themselves for the expansion of Japan’s casino market. Earlier this month, Konami Gaming announced it had become the first manufacturer to apply for licences under Japan’s emerging IR framework.
Despite growing activity, MGM Osaka remains the only approved integrated resort project in the country. The JPY1.51 trillion ($9.30 billion) development is scheduled to open in 2030 and serves as the benchmark for future casino resort proposals.
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