Nagasaki has inked an agreement with Casinos Austria International regarding the potential development of an integrated resort in the region, after the group was selected as the preferred candidate last month.
The prefecture becomes the second to secure such an agreement alongside its chosen candidate, following Wakayama signing its deal with Clairvest Group, in the application for one of three casino licences to be awarded in 2022.
Hodo Nakamura, Nagasaki governor, is quoted in Inside Asian Gaming as stating: “We have signed a basic agreement with Casinos Austria International Japan, formalising the company as the facility construction and operator.
“CAIJ draws on its global business performance, including in Europe, providing a business proposal to realise the highest international standard of IR that is both traditional and luxurious, and in harmony with Huis Ten Bosch’s landscape. We will proceed with preparing the area development plan to apply for certification by the deadline of 28 April 2022.
“Moving forward, we will continue to take every measure to minimise concerns around problem gaming and we will focus on realising a Kyushu/Nagasaki IR that will revitalise tourism industries and the local economy that have been badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, revitalise the broader Kyushu region and, as a consequence, Japan.”
Media outlets report that the group estimates a total project cost of ¥350bn (US$3.2bn), with the casino operator preparing to welcome in the region of 8.4 million visitors annually.
The project, which will subsequently be put forward to the central government, is slated to be developed alongside the Dutch-themed Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Sasebo City.
The facility is slated to incorporate around 2,200 slot machines and 220 gaming tables on around 90,000 square metres, as the firm looks to offer “a gaming experience of the highest international standards.
Furthermore, the company has also previously confirmed that the integrated casino resort will feature eight hotels as well as conference and exhibition centres and entertainment complexes, which will be developed “in cooperation with reputable Japanese and international partners”.
Last month, CAI named the Hyatt Hotel Group as a partner on its potential Nagasaki integrated resort, as the group unveiled further details of the project after being selected as the region’s partner.
