• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Wakayama delays IR plan news, still wants locals barred

Oct 13, 2017 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Top of the deck  


Wakayama delays IR plan news, still wants locals barred

The government of Wakayama prefecture in Japan has told GGRAsia it is postponing until March an announcement about its plans for a so-called integrated resort (IR).

Local governments in Japan have been asked by the central government to team up with investors to respond to a request for concept (RFC) – to be issued by the central authorities – regarding locations for a so far unspecified number of large-scale resorts offering casino gambling as well as other tourism facilities.

A Wakayama official confirmed on Thursday that the local government’s concept would still contain a foreigner-only casino, rather than one open to all comers, including locals.

In June the local authority had said it intended to make an announcement in November regarding what it termed the “master plan” for the proposed casino scheme.

“We are still proposing a foreigner-only casino… It has been like that for a long time and nothing has changed,” the official told us in an emailed update.

“But we have got some opinions from the business community [regarding possible adjustments to the IR scheme],” the person added. “We will announce the plan by the end of March,” he stated.

The official clarified that the delay in the master plan announcement was “because of the political situation in Japan”. Japan’s IR Implementation Bill is likely now to be delayed until at least the spring of next year due to Japan’s snap election to be held in late October.

Credit agency Fitch Ratings Inc said in a memo late last month that the IR Implementation Bill “would determine critical details including the number of casinos permitted and potential visitation restrictions for Japanese nationals”.

Wakayama had previously said it hoped to start preparatory work in December on the RFC stage of the process. But the local government official told GGRAsia: “The RFC process will be delayed too and now we are not sure when we will start it.”


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Japan IR submission deadline passes with just 2 applicants
    Japan IR submission deadline passes...

    Apr 29, 2022  

  • Wakayama reset on IR avoids rejection now, says governor
    Wakayama reset on IR avoids rejection...

    Apr 27, 2022  

More news
  • Macau ops share junket deposit liability: Macau top court
    Macau ops share junket deposit...

    May 16, 2022  

  • Macau repeat visitors denied visa by China says Bernstein
    Macau repeat visitors denied visa by...

    May 16, 2022  


Latest News

Macau ops share junket deposit liability: Macau top court

Macau ops share junket deposit liability: Macau top court

May 16, 2022  

Macau’s Court of Final Appeal announced on Monday sentences in relation to a total of nine cases concerning debt claims involving junket operators based at local casinos. In all the cases, the...
Read More
Macau repeat visitors denied visa by China says Bernstein

Macau repeat visitors denied visa by China says Bernstein

May 16, 2022  

Macau satellite profit model still in doubt: industry

Macau satellite profit model still in doubt: industry

May 16, 2022  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”Any reduction in [Macau gaming] tax would be positive for future profits and cash flows, all else equal”

DS Kim, Amanda Cheng and Livy Lyu

Analysts at brokerage JP Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific)



Most Popular

  • Macau mulls GGR tax cut if casinos attract foreign playersMacau mulls GGR tax cut if casinos attract foreign players May 13, 2022
  • Macau GGR tax cut may spur 15pct EBITDA hike: JP MorganMacau GGR tax cut may spur 15pct EBITDA hike: JP Morgan May 16, 2022
  • Macau modifies satellite owner plan, rev share ban staysMacau modifies satellite owner plan, rev share ban stays May 13, 2022
  • Macau repeat visitors denied visa by China says BernsteinMacau repeat visitors denied visa by China says Bernstein May 16, 2022
Copyright 2014-2022 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us