Questions Raised at Nagasaki Prefectural Council Meeting Over IR Plans and Funding

During the Nagasakid Prefectural Council meeting, questions were raised over whether the city’s chosen private sector partners would be able to raise funds and form an effective consortium to develop an integrated resort. A Nagasaki councillor has questioned whether Casinos Austria International’s estimated cost of capital would be sufficient.

In response, the county stated that it would soon submit a draft of its regional development plan to the relevant committee of the parliament, but there was no information on the construction of the consortium and fundraising.

In August, the Nagasaki Prefectural Government selected Casinos Austria International as its priority choice as a partner for its IR bid and the parties signed a master agreement under the name “Kyushu-Nagasaki IR”. The planned total investment for the IR development is US$3.2bn for eight hotels, conference and exhibition facilities and a variety of dining and retail options.

The Nagasaki Prefectural Government has previously said it expects the IR to open in 2027 and to generate annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) of US$1.37bn. Lobby groups have called for a local referendum on the IR plans.