In Japan and officials in Nagasaki Prefecture have reportedly announced that they are eager to have selected the preferred operating partner for their jurisdiction’s envisioned integrated casino resort by the end of next autumn.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, Nagasaki Prefecture joined the race in hopes of securing the right to host one of Japan’s coming trio of coming integrated casino resorts in January before launching the initial request for concept (RFC) phase of its strategy some nine months later.

Sasebo scheme:

Inside Asian Gaming reported that the southern Kyushu community of approximately 1.3 million people wants to be given official permission to bring a Las Vegas-style gambling venue to its Huis Ten Bosch theme park near the small city of Sasebo and has so far managed to attract initial interest from four potential operating partners including European giant Casinos Austria International.

Pending plan:

Although most gambling is currently illegal in Japan, the coalition government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed legislation in July of last year that is to see the nation of some 126 million people offer up a trio of ten-year casino licenses. In order to be selected as a host for one of these coming $10 billion facilities, which are locally known as integrated casino resorts, communities are being required to partner with an experienced foreign operator before submitting their final plans to the federal government’s Japan Tourism Agency in advance of a July 30, 2021, deadline.

Thorough discussion:

Inside Asian Gaming reported that Nagasaki Prefecture is now due to hold a four-week public consultation period from Friday that will invite views on its plan to construct an integrated casino resort on a 74-acre site adjacent to the theme park before establishing its conclusive plans and launching an official selection process utilizing an as-yet-established expert screening committee.

Economic enticement:

Nagasaki Prefecture reportedly used the RFC phase of its strategy to detail that any coming integrated casino resort will be required to feature at least one large hotel alongside an exhibition facility that is capable of accommodating up to 12,000 visitors. The authority moreover purportedly explained that it is hopeful such a venue could open by the end of 2024 and allow it to improve the local economy by attracting more tourists.