Japan's long-running mission to get casino resorts off the ground has been delayed not only because of the coronavirus but also due to related political scandals and public opposition.
As Yokohama prepares for a mayoral election on Aug. 22, it and other localities hoping for a casino resort are moving forward with plans to formally finalize their proposals, which the central government will accept from October until April 28, 2022. A maximum of three locations for the so-called integrated resorts (IR) — which combine casinos with hotels and other facilities — will then be formally announced sometime after May.
Here’s a look at the current situation regarding the four municipalities with the most advanced preparations: