Japan’s Nagasaki IR to launch RFP this summer and select its operator by winter

Nagasaki hosted a three-week Request for Proposal explanatory meeting session with its IR operator candidates explaining IR development requirements

According to Nagasaki Governor, Hodo Nakamura, the company plans to commence the RFP process this summer to identify potential vying private-sector partners for the Nagasaki IR casino project and hopes to conduct its operator partner selection by winter. 

Nagasaki hosted a three-week Request for Proposal (RFP) explanatory meeting sessions with its IR operator candidates explaining IR development requirements. It has now come to a conclusion as “Many face-to-face meetings were held right up to the last day and we exchanged some very meaningful opinions.”, according to the prefecture telling Inside Asian Gaming. 

The three contenders to develop the Nagasaki IR are Hong Kong’s Oshidori International Holdings, Japanese firm Current Corp and Casinos Austria International. 

By “winter” this year, the chosen IR operator and the prefecture will be working hand in hand on developing an implementation plan to be submitted to the national government in 2021 for consideration. 

By “winter” this year, the chosen IR operator and the prefecture will be working hand in hand on developing an implementation plan to be submitted to the national government in 2021 for consideration.  

In late December, Nagasaki prefecture indicated in a draft that it was looking for an IR investment to a maximum of about JPY550 billion (US$5 billion) and is looking in to hosting such a casino resort on a circa 31-hectare (76.6-acre) site at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo city. 

On Wednesday, Nagasaki prefecture expounded in an email to IAG, “These explanatory meetings were an important step as a prefecture to prepare for the RFP, make sure the potential RFP participants were clear on Nagasaki prefecture’s procedure and requirements relating to IR development.” 

“Information packages specific for these meetings were provided to participants and a wide range of topics were discussed. Further, the briefings were also a great opportunity to hear first-hand the operational situations of the participants, especially considering that the global gaming industry is only now gradually re-opening after a long period of closure.” 

“In order to select the best IR partner for the prefecture and the local community, Nagasaki prefecture will continue to keep an open dialogue until the start of the RFP process, with full consideration for domestic and international situations.” 

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