Hokkaido Expands Consultation on Integrated Resort Plans

Hokkaido Prefecture is preparing to distribute a new questionnaire this quarter as part of its ongoing review of a potential integrated resort (IR) with a casino. According to information reviewed by GGRAsia’s Japan correspondent, the survey will be issued between July and August to all 179 municipalities in the prefecture, along with selected casino operators and financial institutions.

Survey Targets Key Stakeholders

Although the questionnaire has not yet been published, its intended recipients suggest that Hokkaido is seeking feedback from local governments and industry stakeholders on the possibility of developing an integrated resort within the prefecture.

The survey follows the release of a preliminary policy draft in June that outlined Hokkaido’s approach toward a potential IR project. While the document described the objectives and overall direction of a possible development, it did not include a formal commitment to submit a bid.

The latest consultation forms part of the prefecture’s broader evaluation process as officials continue assessing the feasibility of an integrated resort.

Expert Panel Reviews Responsible Gambling Measures

On July 16, Hokkaido convened the fifth meeting of its IR expert panel to discuss the preliminary versions of "The Basic Stance on IR of Hokkaido Prefecture" and "The Hokkaido-Style IR Concept."

One of the main topics was responsible gambling. During the meeting, Noriko Tanaka, representative director of The Society Concerned about Gambling Addiction, presented a comparison between Japan’s proposed responsible gambling framework and the measures implemented in Singapore.

Her presentation highlighted Singapore’s casino duopoly, which has operated since 2010 and noted the role of the country’s National Council on Problem Gambling, overseen by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

The discussion demonstrated that responsible gambling remains an important consideration as Hokkaido continues shaping its policy approach.

Previous Consultation Produced Mixed Results

This is not the first time Hokkaido has sought opinions on the issue. During the third quarter of last year, the prefecture surveyed all 179 municipalities regarding their views on hosting an integrated resort.

The results showed divided opinions. Tomakomai and Hakodate expressed interest in hosting an IR, while 79 municipalities supported the concept in principle. The remaining 98 municipalities indicated they were not interested.

However, by September, Hakodate's mayor stated that the city was no longer in a position to pursue an IR bid, leaving Tomakomai as the only municipality still publicly interested.

Tomakomai had previously been considered a leading candidate before Hokkaido decided not to participate in the first round of Japan’s IR licensing process in November 2019.

Policy Documents Expected Later This Year

Hokkaido plans to present draft versions of "The Basic Stance on IR of Hokkaido Prefecture" and "The Hokkaido-Style IR Concept" to the prefectural assembly in September, with both documents expected to be finalized in October.

The timeline comes ahead of Japan’s next application period for integrated resorts, scheduled to run from May 6, 2027, to November 5, 2027.

Although the current consultation does not represent a formal decision to seek an IR licence, it shows that Hokkaido continues to examine the proposal through stakeholder engagement and policy development.