Yokohama publishes draft IR policy

The document includes outlines proposed measures regarding problem gambling and security.

Japan.- Yokohama city has published a draft of its implementation policy focussing on problem gambling and security. The document has been presented to members of the city council.

The final implementation policy is scheduled to be published in June and will also include the criteria for IR operators must include in their bids.

The document includes measures related to problem gambling and security, working in cooperation with Yokohama city and the wider Kanagawa prefecture.

Operators will also have to improve the roads around the identified development site in anticipation of an increasing number of visitors.

Yokohama is one of the main candidates to obtain one of the three IR licenses Japan’s government will hand out and the city is doing all it can to ensure it remains in the running.

From October to December 2019 the city received submissions from seven interested operators looking to construct an IR should it receive a licence. 

Interested companies include Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts & Entertainment which has already declared its “Yokohama First” policy and intention to open a local office in the city in September.

Las Vegas Sands also indicated in October that Yokohama had become the main focus of its plans for Japan.