Recent reports from Japan indicate a setback for Nagasaki prefecture as the central government is expected to reject the submitted plan for developing an integrated resort with casino gaming in Sasebo City. The proposal, put forth by Nagasaki and its operator partner Casinos Austria, faces official rejection amid concerns over funding and the operator selection process. While the central government had approved Osaka’s integrated resort plan in April 2023, Nagasaki’s fate hangs in the balance, with official confirmation of the rejection anticipated soon.
Government Rejection of Nagasaki IR Plan:
Multiple media outlets are reporting that the central government is poised to reject Nagasaki’s plan for an integrated resort, with official confirmation expected imminently.
The decision stems from concerns over funding and the operator selection process, signaling a setback for Nagasaki’s ambitions in the integrated resort and casino gaming sector.
Approval of Osaka’s Integrated Resort:
Osaka’s integrated resort plan, led by a consortium featuring MGM Resorts and local partner ORIX, received government approval in April 2023.
The contrasting outcomes highlight the divergent paths taken by Nagasaki and Osaka in their pursuit of integrated resort development.
Timeline of Submissions and Evaluation:
Both Nagasaki and Osaka consortiums submitted their respective integrated resort development plans in April 2022.
Osaka’s approval came 12 months later, while Nagasaki’s submission faced prolonged evaluation, indicating heightened scrutiny from the central government.
Concerns Over Funding and Operator Selection:
The central government’s reservations about Nagasaki’s plan revolve around financial considerations and the methodology employed in selecting the operator.
These concerns have likely played a pivotal role in the imminent rejection, emphasizing the stringent criteria set by the government for integrated resort projects.
Governor’s Statements and Potential Changes:
In July, Nagasaki Governor Kengo Oishi hinted at potential changes to the integrated resort bid, particularly concerning the timing of development.
The current rejection suggests that any proposed alterations may not have been sufficient to address the central government’s concerns.
Shelving of Nagasaki’s Integrated Resort Development:
With the anticipated rejection, Nagasaki’s plans for integrated resort development on land attached to the Huis ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo are effectively shelved.
This leaves Osaka’s integrated resort project, led by MGM Resorts and ORIX, as the sole active initiative in Japan’s integrated resort landscape.
Implications for the Integrated Resort Landscape:
Nagasaki’s setback emphasizes the complexities and challenges inherent in securing approval for integrated resort projects in Japan.
The rejection underscores the selectivity of the central government in endorsing such developments and the rigorous evaluation process each proposal undergoes.
As reports indicate the likely rejection of Nagasaki’s integrated resort plan, the landscape of casino gaming and resort development in Japan undergoes a significant shift. The contrasting outcomes between Nagasaki and Osaka underscore the stringent criteria set by the central government, signaling the challenges and uncertainties facing stakeholders in this dynamic industry. The decision not only impacts Nagasaki’s aspirations but also highlights the singular status of Osaka as the nation’s sole active integrated resort project.