Almost Two-Thirds of Japanese Oppose Plans for Integrated Resorts

Japanese citizens continue to oppose the plans for integrated resorts. According to a recent poll, 57.9% of the respondents disagree with the plan and 26.6% agree with it. Among the supporters, 62.8% said they would back the establishment of a casino resort in their area and 29.0% said they would not.

Japan’s public opinion may play a key role in whether some prefectures decide to press ahead with plans to host an IR. Yokohama recently announced it was planning to enter the race and swiftly became the firm favourite amongst major IR operators. However, public opinion against IRs is particularly strong there and may ultimately sway political opinion.

The continued opposition comes despite a concerted effort by operators to win hearts and minds in Japan, sponsoring local festivals and sports events and promoting non-gaming and other elements of IRs.