The campaign to build Japan’s first casino in Osaka has gained momentum after candidates backing the idea won seats in the recent national election.
All four available seats in the upper chamber went to the parties supporting the city’s integrated resort (IR) plan. Two seats went to the Japan Restoration Party, while the remaining two were won by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.
No Upper Chamber Seats for Anti-Casino Parties
Meanwhile, those running under the casino opposition banner failed to secure a seat in the House of Councillors. The two parties that strongly oppose the Osaka IR development, the Japanese Communist Party and the Constitutional Democratic Party, performed poorly during July 10’s polls. Their manifesto included a policy that would block the development of casinos in Osaka.
The election was held just two days after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was well-known for spearheading the IR concept.
National Gov. Could Decide on IR Project in Autumn
Osaka is planning to build a JPY1.08 trillion (US$7.9 billion) integrated resort in Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. It will be constructed via a private partnership with US-based casino operator MGM Resorts International and Japanese financial services firm Orix Corp.
The national government could announce its preferred bidder in the autumn. Osaka is competing with the city of Nagasaki to get Japan’s first casino license.
