Anti-casino group protests against Wakayama IR

Stop Casino Wakayama Association took to the streets last weekend to protest against plans to build an integrated resort in the city.

Japan.- The first major protest against the construction of an integrated casino resort in Wakayama took place last weekend as the local government continues to push ahead with plans to secure one of three IR licences.

The Stop Casino Wakayama Association took the streets outside Wakayama Castle last weekend to protest against the prefecture’s plans to become a gambling desitination.

The Association was formed at the end of February and is made up of 150 local citizens, according to Asia Gaming Brief.

“In Osaka and Yokohama, the movement to bid for an IR has been stalled due to the influence of the new Coronavirus, but Wakayama is promoting these activities regardless. If we accept an IR, we will not be able to turn back even if they create great harm later, so we must speak out against them now,”  a representative from the group told local media.

Wakayama prefecture has started the request-for-proposal (RFP) process that will determine which private operator it will partner with to build an integrated resort should it receive one of three licences on offer.