The city of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, Japan, has invited interested parties to act as an advisor to update its concept for an integrated resort with a casino. The move could become an early step towards submitting a formal proposal to national authorities if the prefecture eventually backs the plan.
The port city on the central southern coast of Hokkaido said the work would focus on updating the “Hokkaido Tomakomai International Resort Concept”. The advisory contract is valued at up to JPY8 million ($50,200), according to previous announcements by the city.
According to GGRAsia, a statement released by Tomakomai on Wednesday, the selected advisor will carry out several key studies related to the potential development of an integrated resort, commonly referred to as an IR.
The work includes research into global trends in the IR industry and analysis of potential investment levels for a casino resort in Tomakomai. The advisor will also assess possible earnings from such a development and examine the economic impact on both the city and the wider Hokkaido prefecture.
Another major responsibility will be organising an expression of interest process among potential developers. Through this process, the city hopes to identify companies that may wish to invest in and operate the proposed resort project.
Tomakomai said the outcome of its advisor selection process will be announced on 17 April.
Tomakomai is currently the only location in Hokkaido that has publicly stated interest in hosting an integrated resort with a casino. Any final decision on whether the prefecture will support a specific location will be made by the prefectural government.
The prefectural administration plans to update its own policy framework titled “basic stance on IR of Hokkaido prefecture” by the autumn of this year. The revised policy is expected to identify the recommended location for a casino resort within Hokkaido.
In February, the prefecture allocated JPY9.98 million in its draft fiscal year 2026 budget to conduct further research and review related to the possibility of hosting an integrated resort.
As global interest in digital gaming grows alongside land-based developments, industry observers often compare emerging resort markets with trends in online platforms, including best mobile online casinos, reflecting a shift toward accessibility and mobile-first experiences.
Japan’s national government has also clarified the timeline for a second round of integrated resort applications.
A Cabinet Order confirmed on 10 March that local governments will be able to submit bids between May and November 2027. To take part in the process, local authorities must partner with private sector developers and present a detailed “IR District Development Plan” for review by the central government.
The plan must outline the project design, financing structure and expected economic benefits.
Hokkaido had previously shown interest in hosting an integrated resort before the first national application round began. However, the prefecture withdrew from the process in late 2019 before submitting a formal proposal.
At that time, professional services firm KPMG had been advising the prefecture on matters related to an integrated resort development, as reported by GGRAsia.
The first national selection process concluded in December 2023 and produced only one approved project. That development is the JPY1.51 trillion integrated resort planned for Osaka.
The project, known as MGM Osaka, is scheduled to open towards the end of 2030.
If Hokkaido decides to support Tomakomai or another location for a future bid, the prefecture would need to prepare its proposal in time for the next national application window in 2027. The current advisory work by Tomakomai is expected to provide updated research and market insights that could support such a decision.
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