As predicted, it now looks certain Japan will delay the Integrated Resort (IR) proposal process. Kyodo News reports the central government will push back the application window by at least 9 months.

The original plan was to accept formal applications to win one of 3 IR licenses over a 7 month process start in January, 2021. Sources now say it looks like the window won’t open until fall, 2021.

The decision to delay the process comes down entirely to the logistics of putting in a successful bid, sources say. Operators and local governments have fallen behind their respective selection processes, making very few bids likely during the original window.

Also cited in the report is confusion created around the process by the 500.com scandal and former lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto. Lawmakers taking bribes to help set up casino operations hasn’t been the best look for the entire process.