GGR Asia has had confirmation from local officials that the five groups were: a consortium involving Oshidori International Holdings; Casinos Austria International Japan; Current Group; the Niki Chau Fwu (Parkview) Group; and One Kyushu, a consortium involving Pixel Companyz and Groupe Partouche SA.

Nagasaki’s prefectural government is due to evaluate this first round of partner proposals this month and create a final shortlist of three.

Final presentations from the provisional partners are slated to be completed by August, before the prefecture can submit its final IR submission to the Japanese Government.

Current national plans will initially permit the construction of three IRs across the nation, and any such site will be required to include: hotel capabilities; tourism attractions; and conference spaces, as well as any gaming floor.

While details of the exact proposals have not been disclosed by the Nagasaki IR promotion office as to “ensure the fairness and integrity of the bidding process,” Oshidori International has confirmed to GGRAsia its initial investment range.

The company has partnered with US tribal operator Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment for its Nagasaki IR project, and has earmarked a financial outlay of JPY400bn ($3.75bn) to JPY500bn.