Japan: Okinawa Opposes Casino Resorts With Vote For New Governor

Bad news for casino operators looking to possibly offer a Integrate Resort in Japan especially in Okinawa as the residents there have just voted in a new governor who is strongly opposed to casinos and Integrated Resorts. Okinawa is a tiny island under Japan rule between Japan and Taiwan and close to mainland China.

Denny Tamaki received 55% of the votes and will become the new governor and will take up the same stance as the previous governor Takeshi Onaga who dies in early August as opposing casinos in the country.

Jun Sakima ran as the opposition to Tamaki and stood as supporting the ruling Liberal Democrats and was considered a pro-casino supporter but only received 44% of the vote.

The vast majority of US forces are based in Okinawa and the region was ear marked it was believed for a casino resort, however with the latest elections it seems that will be a very difficult sell to the new governor and voters there.