The Hokkaido prefecture to discuss Integrated Resorts bill, on Hard Rock rumours

Hard Rock International announced it will soon open its office in Tomakomai, over the Hokkaido prefecture. In a response, Harumi Takahashi, the Hokkaido Governor, commented to the local press that she is setting an official experts’ committee to discuss the Integrated Resorts bill and the possibility of hosting a casino in the city.

Since there is more than one municipality in Hokkaido which has expressed interest in hosting an IR, the experts’ committee will also look into the question of the optimal location should a bid go forward.

Governor Takahashi stated, “The committee will carry out a concrete examination and listen to a wide range of opinions regarding the regional economy, international tourism, gambling addiction, and the candidate sites which should be given priority.”

The committee would be set by later this month and would exclusively evaluate the benefits and opportunities of hosting a Hard Rock casino resort in the Hokkaido prefecture. Furthermore, “the experts’ committee will also look into the question of the optimal location should a bid go forward,” as confirmed by the government.

It’s worth noting that Governor Takahashi and the entire prefectural assembly face elections next April, and most ordinary citizens remain opposed to the legalization of casino gambling.

Source: FocusGamingNews