Yokohama has held the first of six public online briefings aimed at explaining the city’s IR plans.
The briefings follow the launch of Yokohama’s Request for Proposal process on 21 January and provide an explanation of the specific direction the city is taking such as operator management and operator recruitment criteria based on its published IR implementation policy.
The first briefing was conducted on Saturday 6 February with a total of six planned to be held by 14 March.
“We hope that you will understand the various attractions of an IR, the job creation, positive impact on Yokohama’s economic development and the contribution to the city’s finances,” said Deputy Mayor Toshihide Hirahara during the briefing.
“I believe that this will be one of the sparks needed for economic recovery after coronavirus.”
Participants asked how much extra revenue the city can expect from operation of an IR and what the increased revenue would be used for. The city’s response was that 15% of casino takings and half of revenue from the entry fees of Japanese citizens would be paid to Yokohama city and it was expected that tax revenue would increase.
This revenue would then be used to promote tourism, and for problem gambling measures, social welfare and cultural promotion.
The city stated, “We need to understand what measures need to be taken to support the future.”
