Last week, Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan officially became a candidate for one of the country’s first three integrated resorts (IRs), mega-resorts with gaming. Nagasaki launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 7. Several weeks before, at a December 25 press conference, Governor Hōdō Nakamura said the prefecture will start its operator recruitment process quickly, with the release of the national government’s long-awaited Basic Policy for the development of IRs.
“We will continue to devote our efforts to the realization of a ‘Kyushu-Nagasaki IR’, which can contribute to the revitalization of tourism and the local economy of Kyushu as well as Nagasaki Prefecture, and to the development of Japan,” Nakamura said.
Japan’s Basic Policy calls for up to three IRs in the first phase of the new industry, which was approved by lawmakers in December 2016. According to Inside Asian Gaming, operators must be tourism-focused with an eye toward building international visitation; display a strong operational, financial and compliance track record; be committed to responsible gambling; and be capable of boosting opportunities for local and regional economic growth.
Nagasaki is now the third of Japan’s four IR candidates to launch an RFP, joining Osaka Prefecture, Yokohama City and Wakayama Prefecture. It has reportedly attracted up to seven bids from operators interested in the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo City. According to the Nagasaki Shinbun, the four known consortium bidders are Casinos Austria, Oshidori International, Pixel Companyz and a consortium involving Current Corporation, Get Nice Holdings and Sofitel Ponte 16.
The additional three reportedly include two U.S.-based companies and one Asian company.
Osaka launched its RFP in March with MGM Resorts the only company to apply, while Wakayama also launched its RFP in March with Suncity Group and Clairvest the two interested parties.
