The list of possible locations for the three integrated casino resorts in Japan is constantly expanding. Another option has been added now, with the prefecture of Chiba rumoured as one of the sites which are willing to become home to one of the integrated resorts under the country’s casino expansion.
Chiba, which is also known as home to Disneyland, has recently emerged as one of the front-runners for one of the three casino operating licenses which are to be granted by the Japanese Government. The proponents of the prefecture as a possible location for upcoming casino expansion have explained that the support of local residents could give more chances to win a license than other destinations that have been considered as the most possible options by the Japanese Government.
Chiba prefecture would now join the list of the local communities which are aimed at to become home of an integrated casino resort, especially considering the fact that some of the largest gambling operators on a global scale such as Las Vegas Sands Corp., Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International have already demonstrated their interest in winning a casino operation license. Currently, the country’s parliament is discussing the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill, under which three cities will be permitted to host the so-called integrated resorts.
Integrated Casino Resorts Bidding War Expected
The casino gambling expansion of Japan is expected to bring fresh money to the local economy, with analysts estimating a possible worth of the industry of approximately $25 billion. Apart from that, the Government has shared hopes that the new industry unveiled is to attract more visitors to the country, reviving the fame of Japan as a popular tourist destination.
The legislative process still has a long way to go until the casino expansion becomes a fact. According to media reports, the local lawmakers have been considering a possible extension of the ongoing Diet session in order to guarantee that the gambling legislation is to be passed successfully. The current parliamentary session is set to close on June 20th, which is why the Government and the ruling coalition have been thinking of extending it to the end of June or even to the beginning of July.
In addition, the gambling operators that are willing to get a casino operating license would have to get the approval of the regional government. Then they will be expected to present the central authorities with a joint proposal with a coalition of Japanese partners in order for their application to be taken into consideration for an operating license.
For the time being, Yokohama and Osaka have been considered as two of the cities which are most likely to get a license. The local governments of Nagasaki and Hokkaido have also been rumoured as competitors for the integrated casino resorts licenses. Now, the prefecture of Chiba is considered another possible contestant in the license competition, but lack of such support from the local government could turn out to be a serious problem for the city. A resolution set to promote integrated casino resorts in the area was already passed by the city assembly in 2013, but the mayor has still not made a clear statement on the matter.
- Author
Daniel Williams
