The Japan Casino Regulatory Commission is increasing its budget for the 2026 fiscal year as part of the country’s plans to develop the casino sector.
According to the draft budget, funding will rise to ¥3.91 billion ($25 million), up 5.4% from last year’s ¥3.71 billion ($23.7 million).
The majority of the budget — 63.2% — is allocated to staff salaries. The commission’s workforce is set to increase by one person, bringing the total to 168 employees.
Other expenses include operational costs, the creation of an organization to oversee casino operators and other stakeholders, and inspections of casino operators and equipment providers to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
The budget increase coincides with the government’s efforts to develop integrated resorts in the country.
“Iron Lady” Focused on Integrated Resort Development?
In October, Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, urged the Tourism Minister to resume promotion of integrated resorts as part of the country’s broader economic growth strategy.
Takaichi became Japan’s first female Prime Minister and is known for her strong support of the integrated resorts sector and its development initiatives.
In response, the Japan Tourism Agency released a draft Cabinet order establishing a new application window for local governments interested in hosting integrated resorts from May 6 to November 5, 2027.
Under the 2018 Integrated Resorts Act, the government may approve up to three development plans.
So far, one plan has been approved, and work is underway on a resort being developed by a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation in Osaka.
The project is valued at ¥1.27 trillion ($8.13 billion), with an opening scheduled for 2030.
In the first round of applications in 2023, Nagasaki and Wakayama were rejected, while Yokohama withdrew its application citing social concerns.
Looking ahead, these cities are expected to resubmit applications, while Hokkaido has also shown interest in exploring the economic potential of land-based gaming.
Each region must prepare a development plan in collaboration with a private sector operator. Previously, major industry players, including Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, and Hard Rock International, were involved in applications.
Although most forms of gambling remain illegal in Japan, the government estimates that ¥1.24 trillion ($7.94 billion) is wagered annually via online gaming platforms, highlighting the country’s strong interest in gambling and the economic opportunities that integrated resorts could bring.
Limited competition in Asia means the potential of the Japanese market is significant, further enhanced by the failure of Thailand’s casino bill in 2025.
Anticipation of the Thailand casino bill prompted many operators to expand their presence in Asia, many of whom continue to operate on the continent, creating additional opportunities for Japan as its casino sector grows.
Amid concerns over online gambling, Gamban, a company providing gambling-blocking software, recently announced that its services are now available in Japanese.
The app was developed with the help of designers in Tokyo and the Japan-based Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction. Gamban noted that launching the Japanese version helps make its services accessible to as many users as possible.
In addition to Japanese, the Gamban app is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Dutch, Norwegian, and Finnish.
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