Hokkaido, Japan is becoming a popular target for casino operators wishing to launch an integrated resort (IR) in the country. The latest company to announce its intention to submit an IR bid is Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment, owner of the Mohegan Sun brand in the U.S. There are now at least four casino operators who have stated their desire to become part of the Hokkaido landscape.

Mohegan is expected to open an office this April in Tomakomai in the Hokkaido prefecture. The company’s VP of Corporate Finance, Christopher Jones, explains, “We hope to proceed with its use and application as the home base of information related to business PR [around an] IR.”

That office, in addition to being a home base for Japanese operations, will also serve as a type of showroom for the company and will be a vital component as Mohegan looks to attract local companies with which it can host seminars related to the IR bid, as well as the IR project.

Mohegan will most likely acquire space in the same building of another IR bidder. After announcing its intention to submit a bid for a Hokkaido IR last December, U.S.-based Rush Street opened an office in Tomakomai to lead the way. Rush Street could now have some local competition if Mohegan settles on launching its office there, as well.