Resident groups in Wakayama are gathering signatures on a petition, hoping for a referendum on the prefecture’s bid to develop an integrated resort (IR).
According to a report by ABC-TV, the groups say they have not been polled on their views about the major development; if Wakayama wins its IR bid, the prefecture would be home to one of the first three mega-casino resorts in the country.
At least 6,200 signatures must be collected before the group can ask the mayor for a referendum. An ordinance also must be passed by the city council for the vote to take place. Residents say they have collected 3,000 signatures to date with a goal of reaching 20,000 by December 5.
A campaign for a referendum by those opposed to an IR was also held in Yokohama, which elected an IR opponent as governor in August this year, reported Inside Asian Gaming.
Residents groups collected approximately 193,000 signatures for a referendum and in response to this the Yokohama city council discussed a draft ordinance proposal in January, but the referendum was never held as the ordinance was rejected by a majority. However, Takeharu Yamanaka, a candidate opposed to IR, was elected in the August mayoral election, effectively ending the city’s IR bid.
Wakayama prefecture selected Clairvest Neem Ventures as its preferred partner for constructing and operating an IR in June and signed a basic agreement in August. US casino giant Caesars Entertainment has since been announced as casino operator.
The prefecture and its preferred candidate are currently working together on an area development plan to apply to the central government by the application deadline of 28 April 2022.
