Reports from Japan claim central gov’t is expected to reject the Nagasaki IR plan

The plan by Nagasaki prefecture and its partner Casinos Austria to establish an integrated resort (IR) with casino gaming in Sasebo City is expected to be rejected by the federal government, according to Japanese media. Numerous media outlets report that anonymous sources corroborate the denial; official confirmation is anticipated in the near future.

In April 2022, the consortiums from Nagasaki and Osaka submitted their ideas for IR development. But in April 2023, the central government granted Osaka’s request, while the Nagasaki project was still being considered because of issues with the operator selection procedure and finances.

In July, Nagasaki Governor Kengo Oishi made hints about likely bid changes, particularly around when any internal research would take place. Recent reports claim that the Nagasaki integrated resort concept has been shelved, leaving Osaka’s integrated resort—which is being run by a group that includes MGM Resorts and local partner ORIX—as the only active integrated resort in the nation. Soon, the denial will be formally verified.

Original story by: IAG