Wakayama delays operator decision until 2021

The Wakayama prefectural government will delay the decision on whether to grant the project to Suncity and Clairvest.

Japan.- The Wakayama Prefectural Government has confirmed it will delay the selection of the private operator for its casino complex or integrated resort until 2021.

The decision was set to be made at the end of this year, but according to media reports, the COVID-19 crisis that restricted travelling and business activities throughout the country has delayed the process.

Japan declared lockdown on April 7 and it began to lift the state of emergency in mid-May in most of prefectures. Tokyo and Osaka remained under lockdown for longer.

Only two potential operators remain in the race: the Suncity Group and the Clairvest Group. The prefectural government does not appear to have left the door open for any new bids from interested participants.

Therefore, due to the extension of the process, the two potential bidders will have until October of the current year to submit their proposals.

The final decision on Wakayama’s IR partner is now set to be announced in January 2021, with the casino expected to open in spring 2025.