Japan has established a regulatory framework to develop integrated resort (IR) casinos following the enactment of the Integrated Resort Implementation Act in 2018. This legislation authorizes local governments to apply for licenses to host casino resorts, with the central government playing a key role in the selection and approval process. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) oversees the licensing procedure. By law, up to three integrated resort licenses can be granted, and several local governments are actively competing to secure these licenses. The industry anticipates that the first IR casinos will commence operations around 2025. International casino operators have shown strong interest in entering the Japanese market and are forming partnerships with local firms to position themselves competitively. The successful launch of integrated resorts is expected to significantly impact Japan’s gaming and tourism sectors, aligning with broader economic development objectives.