Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has outlined finer details of its Japan-based integrated resort plans, with its sights firmly set on Tomakomai in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost prefecture, report local media outlets.
The region, which earlier this year saw Hard Rock International detail its own IR proposition via a full scale model unveiling, is striving to be one of three locations selected by the country’s government to host a resort.
As the race among local governments heats up, amid a delay at national level, Connecticut headquartered Mohegan has stated its intention to invest between $3.5m and $4.5m in its IR, which would contain a casino and hire between approximately 5,000 and 7,000 individuals.
The prospective development in Tomakomai, where it’s also believed Rush Street Gaming have a large interest, would include a museum dedicated to the Mohegan Tribe, recognised in its home state, as well as the Ainu people, an indigenous Japanese tribe.
As a recent press conference it was also confirmed that Mohegan’s construction would feature three hotel towers, convention space and an entertainment arena, as well as further areas to permit horse riding and cross-country skiing among other activities.
Mohegan’s CEO Mario Kontomerkos stressed a belief that due to prior experience of operating IRs in a similar environment to Hokkaido, the firm is primed for success and would welcome the opportunity to further expand its base of operations.
Asia has long since been a target for the organisation, with the $5bn development of Project Inspire in South Korea ongoing with its first phase, set to open 2020/21 with multiple more phases planned beyond.
Previously speaking to CasinoBeats, Kontomerkos stated that the development is to feature 1,200 five-star guest rooms, over 63,000-square-meters of dining, retail and entertainment options, a 15,000-seat arena, a foreigner-only casino, a climate-controlled indoor pool and water park, 19,000-square-meters of conference and convention space, and a global studio IP-themed park.
