Hokkaido is the second biggest island in Japan as well as the largest Japanese prefecture. The prefecture is home to many entertainment and resort establishments that have flourished in this area over the years. However, the prefecture is not home to a casino resort and considering the most recent press release by the Governor of the prefecture, the area will not become home to one.

According to the governor’s press release, the officials of the Hokkaido Prefecture have decided that this jurisdiction will withdraw from the casino license race which has been going on for quite some time. The race will secure several companies that are still in the game a trio of full casino licenses which will eventually allow operators to construct and manage fully integrated casino resorts.

According to one report released by GGRAsia, the prefecture’s Governor Naomichi Suzuki made this revelation on the 29^th of November which came as a part of a related discussion in the prefectural assembly of Sapporo. In his official press released, the Governor explained that the move to withdraw from the casino license race was part of the prefecture’s effort to somehow allay fears that the proposed casino resort site is too closely located to a wildlife sanctuary situated near Lake Utonai.

Issues with the $10 Billion-Worth Casino Resort Plan

It was also reported by GGRAsia that the Japanese officials for the nation’s northernmost prefecture had recently floated a big plan which seen the officials push for one of the trios of casino licenses which will allow them to construct and manage a $10 billion-worth fully integrated casino resort which was planned for the outskirts of the Tomakomai community. Nonetheless, the plan allegedly projected that it could take even three years to efficiently conduct the necessary environmental impact examination on the property.

Soon after the plan was proposed, many individuals related to the project became concerned regarding whether the Hokkaido Prefecture’s officials would be able to submit their fully competed bid with the nation’s federal selectors before the final deadline date comes on the 30^th of June, 2021.

After the prefecture’s jurisdiction decided to withdraw from the race altogether, the prefecture’s Governor Naomichi Suzuki told to legislators that constructing an managing a fully integrated casino resort in the prefecture which would coexist with the wildlife sanctuary and nature has massive potential. On the other hand, he also said that even though the project has massive potential, it would be almost impossible for them to complete the necessary steps before the deadline.

He also said that it would be almost possible for them to give due necessary due consideration to nature and environment as they have rather limited time before the nation’s government finally decides on the fully integrated casino resort locations. The decision made by the prefecture’s thirty-eight-year-old Governor actually followed a massive petition against the integrated casino resort that was signed by over 20,000 individuals.

Petition Against the Integrated Casino Resort Plan

The petition which was against the plan was followed by publication released several days ago whose results have shown that around 66% of the prefecture’s population is actually against bringing a fully integrated casino resort to this area owning to issues and concerns over gambling addiction. All in all, the casino license race to win one of the nation’s trio of casino licenses is now down to nine runners which is bad news for several foreign operators such as Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment that had been seen as one of the front runners to construct and manage the prefecture’s casino resort.

It’s expected that Japan will reach a decision about the first three sites for an integrated resort (IR) during the next year. Making a choice about who’ll be the managing operators should also be revealed. It’s widely known that Melco Resorts is on the shortlist, and in anticipation for being given this opportunity, the company has already started the hiring process. In addition, Lawrence Ho, the company’s chairman and CEO has disclosed that in case they’re selected, their headquarters will be transferred to Japan as will he.

Making the Final Decision

Even though Ho has already brought the subject about moving their headquarters to Japan from their base in Hong Kong, according to the latest info, he just made it official. It happened during Japan Gaming Congress presentation in Tokyo when he confirmed that if they’re licensed for development of an integrated resort, then he, along with his executive team will move to Japan.

A preview of what’s in store if they’re granted permission for IR in Japan has been available to the public. Their potential venue in Osaka includes a MICE vision (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). According to Pim Robberechts, Melco VP, Design (Japan), their concept would deliver an outstanding experience.

Their plans involve over 121 acres in Yumeshima Island in Osaka, featuring six hotels, the greatest garden in Japan, water amusement park, space for gambling activities and other attractive prospects like performers hanging from the roof.

Melco’s Advantage over Competitors

Thanks to their monetary advantage, Melco has been one of the most likely candidates to be picked for IR. Lawrence Ho has stated that they’re ready to invest $10 billion or even more to bring their vision to life. And even though the amount is pretty much the same as the offers made by their competitors, Ho confidently claims that their plan has a better concept. One of their competitors is Las Vegas Sands which, in his opinion, will fail to deliver with its MICE model, used for Marina Bay Sands. He elaborated that it can’t be applied in Japan as it was in Singapore.

His claims are backed by Robberechts who’s a former Senior VP of Design for the Sands Corporation. Due to his previous position, he’s quite familiar with Sands operations. In fact, he was leading the team in charge of Marina Bay Sands development, and since lately there have been various correlations between MBS and Japan, he felt the need to give his assessment of the situation. In his professional opinion, MICE model which was used in MBS can’t applicable to Japan.

On the other hand, according to Robberechts, Melco’s plans are something entirely different; exceptional even. Furthermore, they are the next level when it comes to integrated resorts. Because of his vast experience in building MICE facilities worldwide, he feels confident in offered projections concerning Japan integrated resort and his company as a potential candidate.

Overall, it appears that the leading gambling companies are keen on getting a license and building their integrated casino resort in Japan.