Japanese pachinko manufacturer Heiwa Corp. has announced its plan to develop an integrated resort on the island of Hokkaido. The group aims to partner with an international casino operator and other local businesses in the plan, reported G2Newswire.
The joint venture would develop an IR in Kitahiroshima, Sapporo City, Hokkaido. Currently the northernmost of Japan’s islands is noted as a skiing retreat; Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Hokkaido is a primary contender for an IR license with three other proposals already in the works.
The Japanese government legalized casino gaming in December 2016, and is expected to pass implementing legislation in 2018 before awarding licenses in 2019.
Nagasaki may also be a contender, reports Asia Gaming Brief. In a request for information process, a total of 50 companies sent representatives, including 11 integrated resort operators. The local government has employed advisory firm Deloitte Tohmatsu to help it conduct its RFI process and compile an IR master plan expected to be complete in March 2018.
