Almost two thirds of Japanese oppose IRs

Japan’s public continues to be firmly opposed to integrated resorts, with a new survey finding 60 percent are hostile to the idea on concern that public security will deteriorate. 

According to the results of the October poll, 57.9 percent of the respondents disagree with the plan and 26.6 percent agree with it, Japan Times reports. Among the supporters, 62.8 percent said they would back the establishment of a casino resort in their area and 29.0 percent said they would not.

The Jiji survey was conducted through interviews from Oct. 11 to Monday and covered 2,000 people 18 or older across Japan. Of them, 62.2 percent gave valid responses.

Japan’s public opinion may play a key role in whether some prefectures decide to press ahead with plans to host an IR. Yokohama recently announced it was planning to enter the race and swiftly became the firm favourite amongst major IR operators. However, public opinion against IRs is particularly strong there and may ultimately sway political opinion.

The continued opposition comes despite a concerted effort by operators to win hearts and minds in Japan, sponsoring local festivals and sports events and promoting non-gaming and other elements of IRs.

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