License Name
Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area
Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area
Japan
Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC)
Land-based casino gaming within IR; online casino gaming not permitted
Local (Within approved IR zones in Japan)
Very Good
Must be a company incorporated under the Companies Act of Japan (typically a KK or GK); no residency or nationality requirements for ownership
All directors and shareholders undergo social credibility checks; no relationship with organized crime permitted
Compliant AML program required, including KYC and strict reporting obligations
Quarterly operational reports; annual financial business reports; immediate notification of material breaches
Subject to regulatory audit
All gaming equipment, software, and recording media must pass inspection before operation
Certification/inspection required for equipment used for gaming outcomes
Background checks on applicant’s officers, directors, and shareholders
Only one casino permitted per IR; maximum casino floor area of 3% of total IR area; land-based only—no online gaming
National and municipal casino taxes (each 15% of gross gaming revenue monthly)
Application process includes public consultation and regulatory scrutiny
Legal disputes under jurisdiction of Japanese courts
Not permitted
Not permitted
Applicant pays for the examination costs of the license application (no fixed public fee)
Fixed administrative fee and renewal examination costs applicable
15% national tax and 15% local municipal tax on casino gross gaming revenue, paid monthly
Financial soundness/net worth and liquidity are examined as part of the licensing process
Quarterly operational status; annual casino-related finance reporting; immediate reporting of breaches
Not publicly specified (subject to extensive regulatory review)
Corporate registration, business/IR development plan, proof of financial capacity, compliance programs, internal rules (AML, operations, responsible gaming)
Comprehensive IR district development plan and casino business plan required
Detailed policies for operations, AML, responsible gaming, customer protection, and business continuity
All gaming-related equipment and software must obtain regulatory inspection before operation
Officers and directors require social credibility (background checks)
Advertising for casino entry is limited to international ports and airports; domestic advertising restricted
Limits on Japanese residents’ casino entry (3 times in 7 days, 10 times in 28 days); self-exclusion system required
Use of national “My Number” card system for citizens; strict ID verification required for all entrants
Mandatory as part of AML compliance
Operators must have policies for handling guest complaints
Segregation of player funds; details subject to regulatory confirmation
Only games approved as casino games under Japanese law permitted
Not publicly specified (subject to regulation)
Systems for investigation, audit, and operational integrity established by JCRC
3 years for casino business license, with renewal; separate IR designation for 10 years
Renewal upon re-examination and payment of regulatory renewal costs
Fines, license suspension, or revocation by JCRC for violations
Any change in shareholding or management must be reported and is subject to review
Subject to regulatory approval and disclosure
Operators must adhere to responsible gambling messaging requirements
12th & 13th Floor, Shiroyama Trust Tower, 4-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Not publicly available
Not specified
General Affairs Planning Department, Dependence Countermeasures Division, Planning Division, Supervisory Investigation Department, Investigation Division, Regulatory Supervision Division, Financial Supervision Division
What is Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area?
The Casino Business Licence allows approved operators to run a land-based casino as part of a government-designated Integrated Resort (IR) area in Japan under the strict supervision of the Casino Regulatory Commission. The license is part of Japan's regulated initiative to promote tourism and economic development through select IRs. Only three licenses are permitted nationwide. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
Which jurisdiction issues Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area?
The licence is issued by the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission, an agency under the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
What is the cost of obtaining Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area?
Applicants must pay the actual costs of regulatory examination for their license application and renewal; no fixed public fee is set. Other significant costs include compliance, operations, and tax payments. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources.
What are the main requirements for Casino Business Licence for Specified Integrated Resort (IR) Area?
Key requirements include incorporation as a Japanese entity, social credibility for all officers/directors, financial capacity, anti-money laundering controls, responsible gaming measures, approval of gaming software/equipment, detailed business and internal policy documentation, background checks, and ongoing reporting and compliance obligations. If not available: Information not found in publicly available sources