Hokkaido Eyes Japan's Second Casino License Amid Tourism Surge

The landscape of Japanese gambling is shifting as Hokkaido moves to secure the nation's second integrated resort (IR) license. Following the green light for MGM Osaka, which is slated to open in 2030, other prefectures are feeling the pressure to act before the 2027 government deadline. Hokkaido, the northernmost island known for its world-class ski resorts and hot springs, is now refining a plan that was previously shelved in 2019. The local government aims to transform the island into a global tourism hub that attracts high-net-worth individuals while addressing the deep-seated concerns regarding gambling addiction in Japanese society.

On July 16, 2024, an expert panel presented a revised draft to the Hokkaido prefectural assembly. This update includes more robust measures to combat social issues related to gambling. The proposal centers on the city of Tomakomai, located near New Chitose Airport. Tomakomai is already a logistics and tourism hub, but the addition of a casino is seen as the final piece of the puzzle to secure long-term economic growth. However, the path is not without obstacles, as local lawmakers and activists continue to demand more transparency regarding the selection process and the potential social impact of the project.

Numbers and facts

Hokkaido's tourism sector is currently experiencing a massive boom. Last year, the island welcomed a record 12.82 million inbound visitors, marking a significant rise of nearly 30 percent compared to 2024. This follows a 44 percent year-on-year increase in 2024, which already set a post-pandemic high. The proposed project in Tomakomai is ambitious, featuring a hotel complex with as many as 2,800 rooms. To ensure local benefits, the plan suggests the creation of a special-purpose company that includes Hokkaido-based firms in the developer consortium. Proponents argue that such a facility would act as a catalyst for further investment, but social critics focus on the potential human cost.

"Gambling addiction can lead to social problems such as suicide, crime, and the breakdown of family units. The national and prefectural governments must create countermeasures to fight addiction before discussing the creation of gambling facilities." - Noriko Tanaka, Head of The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction

Background

The history of Japanese casino legalization is a marathon, not a sprint. For years, the federal government has sought to authorize three IR licenses to boost the economy. While Osaka was the first to succeed, other regions have struggled. Between 2020 and 2022, prefectures like Yokohama and Wakayama pulled out due to public opposition or financial doubts. In 2023, the central government even rejected a bid from Nagasaki because of concerns over the investors' track record. Hokkaido's new plan seeks to avoid these pitfalls by introducing strict entry controls and a management committee designed to connect residents with counseling services. The prefecture is expected to reveal further amendments in September after consulting with more stakeholders.

Why it matters for German players

For German tourists, a new Japanese casino destination would offer a regulated and high-end alternative to existing hubs like Singapore. However, the controversy in Japan mirrors many debates held in Germany during the implementation of the GlüStV 2021. German regulations are among the strictest in the world to prevent exactly the kind of social fallout Noriko Tanaka describes. With the LUGAS monitoring system and mandatory deposit limits, Germany has a framework that Japan is only now starting to conceptualize for its physical resorts. Players from Germany are used to a high level of protection, and seeing these standards discussed on a global stage reinforces the importance of using only licensed and safe platforms.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos licensed by the GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) provide a benchmark for safety that international projects like Hokkaido are striving for. The discussion in Japan highlights that a successful gambling market cannot exist without public trust and rigorous player protection. GGL-licensed operators already adhere to strict rules, such as the 1 Euro per spin limit and the prohibition of certain high-risk game features. As Japan moves toward a 2027 bidding deadline, the international community will be watching to see if Hokkaido can match the regulatory maturity found in the German market. For the industry, this confirms that long-term stability is only possible through responsible gaming practices and clear government oversight.