A reported 15 global operators
Thirty-three companies have reportedly submitted proposals to develop an integrated resort in the Japanese prefecture of Wakayama on the country’s south central coast.
City officials have identified Marina City as a likely location for the IR; the 40-hectare (99-acre) man-made island already has hotels and a theme park and could accommodate 2,500 hotel rooms and convention space. It is believed that 15 international operators have expressed interest, according to CDC Gaming Reports; the government also is friendly, with Wakayama Governor Yoshinobu Nisaka saying the community is well-positioned for one of the country’s first three IR licenses.
That contrasts with Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city, which has often been mentioned as a contender for a license. In a recent survey, an overwhelming majority of residents—94 percent—reportedly turned thumbs down on a casino in their vicinity.
Meanwhile, Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui is also keen on a casino development in his city, which is also bidding to host the 2025 World Expo at Yumeshima Island. According to AGBNippon.com Osaka is going head-to-head for the World Expo with Ekaterinburg in Russia and Baku in Azerbaijan.
