Japan’s integrated-resort bidding process enters its final evaluation stage in 2026. Three prefectures remain in contention for the first commercial casino license.
Shortlisted Locations
Osaka, Yokohama, and Hokkaido each submitted detailed proposals covering tourism impact, construction timelines, and responsible-gaming measures.
- Osaka – Yumeshima site, 2028 target opening
- Yokohama – Minatomirai district, 2029 projected
- Hokkaido – Chitose transport hub, 2030 timeline
Expected Gaming Floor Sizes
- ✓Plans call for 20,000–30,000 square meters
- ✓of gaming space per resort, with roughly
- ✓Expected Gaming Floor Sizes
Plans call for 20,000–30,000 square meters of gaming space per resort, with roughly 60% allocated to table games and 40% to slots and electronic tables.
Regulatory Outlook
The Casino Gaming Commission continues to refine entry-fee structures and smoking policies. Foreign operators may hold up to 50% equity in the first three licenses.
Tourism Impact Forecasts
- ✓Government estimates project an additional 5–7
- ✓million inbound visitors annually once the first
- ✓Tourism Impact Forecasts
Government estimates project an additional 5–7 million inbound visitors annually once the first resort opens, boosting regional hotel occupancy and retail revenue.