MGM Resorts Teams with Orix on Japan’s 1st Integrated Casino Resort
MGM Resorts is moving forward with the Osaka Casino Project, setting a date for groundbreaking in Japan this spring.
$8 billion integrated resort to be built in Osaka by MGM Resorts.
Key Facts:
- MGM’s Osaka Casino Project will break ground on April 24
- Development cost of Japanese casino is $8.6 billion
- Yumeshima subway station will be built to assist in funneling visitors to Osaka attraction
MGM Resorts International, in partnership with Japan’s Orix Corporation, is gearing up for a major milestone in the development of Japan’s first casino resort.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Osaka integrated resort is scheduled for April 24, marking the official start of construction on this ambitious project.
The resort will be built on the spanking new piece of land called Yumeshima, a sprawling artificial island in Osaka Bay.
New Era for Japan’s Entertainment Industry
What is an integrated resort, or IR? It’s an expansive property that marries a casino with popular amenities like entertainment stages, dining establishments, and shopping options.
The Osaka integrated resort is set to redefine Japan’s tourism and entertainment landscape. Spanning 52 acres, the complex will have three luxury hotels with over 2,500 rooms.
Visitors will also find a state-of-the-art convention center and a casino occupying a small fraction of the indoor space. The MGM-operated venue will not simply be a casino; it will be a beautiful IR that appeals to the senses and offers a myriad of activities for guests and visitors who stay on the grounds.
The new gaming mecca has been developed for an estimated cost of 1.27 trillion Yen (or $8.6 billion in U.S. dollars).
With MGM and Orix each holding a 42.5% stake, additional investment from Japanese firms further strengthens the financial foundation of the project.
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle recently confirmed that site preparation is proceeding smoothly, with full-scale construction to follow. He also highlighted the January launch of a new subway station at Yumeshima, which will significantly improve accessibility for future guests.
Projected Impact on Tourism and Economy
Once completed, the Osaka resort is expected to become a key driver of tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually. Projections estimate around 14 million domestic guests and 6 million international tourists each year, reinforcing Osaka’s status as a major entertainment hub.
Japan’s decision to allow IR casinos stems from legislative reforms in 2018, which opened the door for integrated gaming and hospitality ventures. MGM’s entry into this new market vaults it into Japan’s evolving tourism industry, positioning Osaka as a global destination for leisure and business events.
MGM’s Global Expansion and Macau Success
Beyond Japan, MGM Resorts aims to strengthen its position in the global gaming market. The company’s Macau operations recently posted record earnings, driven by increased visitor traffic and strong gaming revenue.
MGM China has reported an 18% uptick in post-Chinese New Year traffic compared to the previous year, with gaming volumes also on the rise.
MGM’s continued success in Macau and its strategic expansion into Japan reflects its long-term vision for global growth.
