Japan Reopens Casino Bidding: Two New Licenses Up for Grabs Starting May 2027

Japan is set to reopen its casino licensing process, with the bidding period for two additional integrated resort (IR) licenses scheduled to run from May 6 to November 5, 2027. This marks a significant step forward for the country’s iGaming and casino industry, which has seen limited progress since the initial 2018 authorization of up to three IRs.

Currently, only MGM Osaka—set to open in 2030—has secured a license. The government, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aims to streamline the process this time around, avoiding the prolonged delays and withdrawals that plagued the first round. The Cabinet Order, titled the “Basic Plan for Promoting Japan as a Tourism Nation,” emphasizes improving Japan’s international competitiveness in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) sector while attracting inbound tourism.

The new bidding period will allow prefectures and cities to solicit bids from developers, with Hokkaido and Aichi already positioning themselves as potential candidates. Aichi, home to Nagoya—the fourth-most populous city in Japan—boasts over 7.5 million residents, while Hokkaido’s Sapporo ranks fifth with nearly 2 million people.

The government’s tourism plan targets 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, with annual spending reaching ¥15 trillion (US$94.5 billion). In 2025, Japan welcomed 42.7 million international visitors, a 16% increase from 2024, with foreign spending at approximately ¥9.5 trillion. The push for IRs aligns with these ambitious goals, aiming to boost both tourism and economic growth.

However, the road to success isn’t guaranteed. The withdrawal of major operators like Las Vegas Sands in 2020—led by the late Sheldon Adelson, who criticized the licensing process—highlighted past challenges. Adelson had stated, “While my positive feelings for Japan are undiminished, and I believe the country would benefit from the business and leisure tourism generated by an integrated resort, the framework around the development of an IR has made our goals there unreachable.” His exit preceded withdrawals from Wynn Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting, and Melco Resorts.

With the second bidding round now underway, the question remains: Will Japan’s revised approach attract the global giants it needs to compete on the world stage?