# Voices of concern over funding of Nagasaki IR plan

A public representative of a Japanese city leaning toward attracting casino resorts has questioned whether, at the local parliamentary level, a selected private sector partner will be able to raise the funds and form an effective consortium for such a large-scale initiative.


The issue was discussed in the Nagasaki prefectural parliament on Friday about the capabilities of Casino Austria International Japan Inc., its chosen partner in relation to the resort proposal (pictured in artist's rendering).

Similar questions have been raised in the Wakayama prefectural council in recent weeks about the financial capabilities of Wakayama's private sector partner, ClarebestNim Ventures KK, which it chose for casino resorts.

Lobby groups in Wakayama and Nagasaki have each called for a referendum on the IR issue.

On Friday, Nagasaki Prefecture's parliament held a second Q&A opportunity for its members on Integrated Resorts (IR), with large casino resorts known.

A Nagasaki lawmaker asked if the estimated capital cost of 350 billion yen ($3.09 billion) mentioned by Casino Austria International was sufficient.

In response, the prefecture said it would soon submit a draft IR-related district development plan to parliament's relevant committee but would not provide information on consortium construction and fundraising.

The prefecture said in October it was seeking more information from Casino Austria International regarding project funding.

The November session of the Nagasaki Prefectural Council is from November 26 to December 21.

After completion, a public consultation will be held on the casino proposal.

Under Japan's casino business liberalization program, up to three resorts are allowed nationwide.

Currently, there are only three communities in the advanced stage of applying to the government. The other one is Osaka, except Nagasaki and Wakayama.

Lawyers fired over Nagasaki's choice of Casino Austria International as its IR partner have questioned.

One of them, Hong Kong-listed investment group Osidori International Holdings Ltd, said in its first-half results filed on Aug. 30 that its experience bidding for cooperation at the county and casino complex had raised "questions of serious ethical irregularities" in the process.

According to Japanese media reports, Nagasaki's other competitor, Nikki Chaufu (Parkview) Group, also questioned the integrity of Nagasaki's selection process.

Nagasaki Prefecture countered that the partner selection process was fair and proper.

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