The conclusions from a survey conducted by Hokkaido regarding an integrated resort with a casino have been made available, producing mixed results.
As reported by The Nikkei, the survey was held between September and November this year and included a mail-in questionnaire, interview and regional briefings.
The postal and interview surveys comprised of approximately 2,500 Hokkaido residents who were randomly selected. There were 697 responses by mail and 85 interviews. At the regional briefings, 291 of 327 responded. The questions determined the level of expectation and concern.
Of those at regional briefings, 69% answered that they had positive expectations of IR, while 49% of the interview group and 33% of the postal group also provided this response. Those who said they were concerned numbered 66% in the postal group, 69% in the interview group and 38% in the regional focus group.
Regarding the five specific items on expectations, over 70% of the interview group said they hoped for new jobs. In the regional focus group, over 70% said they wanted tax revenue for Hokkaido and revitalization of the economy. However, the desire to use IR facilities remained low across all survey methods.
When it came to concerns, over 70% of the postal group cited deterioration in safety and problem gambling. Over 80% of the interview groups responded that their concern was “continuous operation of the facilities,” and around 50% over all survey methods said they were concerned about the impact on the environment.
Governor Naomichi Suzuki will use the survey as a reference to determine whether Hokkaido should bid for an IR.
