Osaka Prefecture has partnered with MGM Resorts International to build a casino resort in Japan. Don’t forget, Japan’s liberalized gambling laws have legalized real money gambling at casinos.

Furthermore, on Tuesday, Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura revealed the planned partnership between Osaka and MGM Resorts International. Not too many were surprised since MGM Resorts International was the only bidder for the Osaka project.

Meanwhile, the partnership between Osaka and MGM is to build a first-class facility that would improve tourism. MGM Resort International is a major stakeholder in the online casino market in other regions where online casinos are legal. The online casino industry nowadays has top hospitality and entertainment operators coming on board.

Details of Osaka and MGM Resorts International Partnership

Although the details of the Osaka and MGM Resorts partnership are still sketchy, some facts have emerged. According to reports, it appears that MGM Resort and Osaka are planning an initial investment plan of 1.08 trillion yen (US$9.7 billion). More so, the complex would be situated in Osaka Bay. And there are plans that the casino would launch in the late 2020s.

Also, Gov. Yoshimura seemed excited about the partnership during the conference meeting held on Tuesday. The governor added that the planned partnership aims to build the world’s best growth-oriented integrated resort. More so, Yoshimura also noted that the amount outlined for the Osaka resort is very ambitious and aggressive.

According to Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resort will contribute more than US$2.5 billion to the project. Also, the total contributions would be spread over three years, from 2024 to 2026. Hornbuckle is the CEO and President of MGM Resort.

In addition, the Osaka Resort would occupy 390 hectares of an artificial island in Yumeshima. Consequently, Yumeshima is located alongside Osaka Port. Not to mention, the Osaka casino resort is expected to attract more than 18 million domestic and foreign visitors annually. The total revenue expected from the Osaka Resort yearly is about 760 billion yen.

MGM Resorts Journey to Win the Osaka Integrated Resort Project

Before the MGM Resort and its consortium became the winners of the Osaka Integrated Resort project, three other companies were also in the race. However, the other three candidates slowly walked away, leaving the MGM Resort as the winner.

After much deliberating, Osaka had no choice but to declare MGM Resort the winner of the bid. During the announcement of MGM Resort as their official winner, Osaka’s representative added that they are the perfect candidate for the project.

However, it is reported that MGM Resort Integrated scores were weak. Osaka used five criteria to judge the presentation by each candidate:

The MGM Resort project scored 788.5 over 1000 points. Also, reports showed that MGM resort scored just two-thirds of the possible maximum in each category. MGM Resort was reported to have scored the lowest in uniqueness with just 152.5 points.

About the MGM Resort International

MGM Resort International is one of the biggest entertainment and hospitality companies in the world. Besides, MGM has been around for more than 30 years. MGM Resort International was founded in 1986 by Kirk Kerkorian.

Interestingly, MGM Resort is listed on the New York Stock Exchange market (NYSE). Currently, the MGM Resort employs more than 70,000 persons. Not just that, MGM Resort International has several subsidiaries like BetMGM, MGM Growth Properties, etc. In 2019, the annual revenue of MGM Resort International was US$12.9 billion.

To date, MGM Resort International is topping the chart as one of the largest hospitality and entertainment companies in America.

The Cause for Delay in Choosing a Candidate to Osaka Integrated Resort

The choice of candidate for the Osaka Integrated Resort was delayed because of the pandemic. Because of the COVID, most bidders were skeptical about the project, claiming that many had lost revenues.

Despite the delay, it seemed that only the MGM Resort was the only serious candidate bidding for the Osaka Integrated Resort project. Other partners had shown interest, but they withdrew their applications as soon as the pandemic became severe.

Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts are the other notable casino operators that initially showed interest in the Osaka Integrated Resort project.

The Future of Japan’s Gambling Industry

For a long time, global casino operators have hoped to break into the Japanese market. Thankfully, with the liberalization of Japan’s gambling law, gambling at live casinos will commence soon. However, the Japanese government ought to consider online gambling to look at the pandemic and the gains it presents.

Finally, the Osaka Integrated Resort project would bring more tourist revenue to the Japanese government.

Recommended Online Casinos

Advertising Disclaimer

CasinoHEX.co.za is an independent review website that helps South African players to make their gambling experience fun and secure. We share useful guides, gambling tips and evaluate games, casino operators, and software providers at the website. When our site visitors choose to play at one of the listed and recommended platforms, we receive a commission. However, our team of gambling experts lists only trusted and reliable brands that meet strict criteria and provide high-quality service.

CertifiedCertified
Safe & secureSafe & secure
Expertly ratedExpertly rated
TrustedTrusted
  1. SpinAway Casino

    SpinAway Casino

    5/5
    Welcome Bonus
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R200
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 1718+
    • Fast Payout
    • New
    • SpinAway Casino launched in 2020
    Deposit Methods:
    BitcoinDogecoinEasyEFTEcoPayzEthereum
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline scratch cardsOnline scratch cardsOnline crapsOnline craps
    Developers:
    EndorphinaEvolution GamingHabaneroHigh5NetEnt
  2. 10Bet Casino

    10Bet Casino

    4.9/5
    CasinoHEX rating 
    CasinoHEX rating
    9/10
    Welcome Bonus
    • Win rate:Win rate: 96.3%
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R5
    • Payout speed:Payout speed: Instant-2 days
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 978+
    • Fast Payout
    • 10Bet Casino launched in 2003
    • 978+ casino games
    • Maximum cashout: R10000000/per month
    • Withdrawal limits: R1000000/per day
    Deposit Methods:
    1ForYou Voucher (1Voucher)American ExpressBlu VoucherEasyEFTInstant EFT
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline scratch cardsOnline scratch cardsOnline baccaratOnline baccarat
    Developers:
    EGTEvolution GamingNetEntPragmatic PlayRed Tiger Gaming
    Mobile App
    apple android
    Live Chat
    24/7
    Play Now
    BEST ONLINE CASINO IN JULY 2024
  3. Slotbox Casino

    Slotbox Casino

    4.9/5
    CasinoHEX rating 
    CasinoHEX rating
    8/10
    Welcome Bonus
    • Win rate:Win rate: 96%
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R400
    • Payout speed:Payout speed: 0-5 days
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 798+
    • Fast Payout
    • High Roller
    • New
    • Maximum cashout: R1000000/per month
    • Withdrawal limits: R80000/per day
    Deposit Methods:
    BitcoinEasyEFTEcoPayzInstant EFTMasterCard
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline scratch cardsOnline scratch cardsOnline crapsOnline craps
    Developers:
    EGTEndorphinaPlayn GoQuickspinWazdan
    Live Chat
    24/7
    Play Now
  4. YesPlay Casino

    YesPlay Casino

    4.8/5
    CasinoHEX rating 
    CasinoHEX rating
    7/10
    Welcome Bonus
    • Win rate:Win rate: 96%
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R1
    • Payout speed:Payout speed: Instant - up to 2 hours
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 406+
    • Fast Payout
    • YesPlay Casino launched in 2015
    • 406+ casino games
    • Maximum cashout: R500000/per month
    • Withdrawal limits: R100000/per day
    Deposit Methods:
    1ForYou Voucher (1Voucher)American ExpressBlu VoucherEasyEFTInstant EFT
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline scratch cardsOnline scratch cardsOnline crapsOnline craps
    Developers:
    Evolution GamingHabaneroNetEntPragmatic PlayRed Tiger Gaming
    Mobile App
    apple android
    Live Chat
    24/7
    Play Now
    R1 MINIMUM DEPOSIT
  5. Yebo Casino

    Yebo Casino

    4.8/5
    CasinoHEX rating 
    CasinoHEX rating
    7/10
    • Win rate:Win rate: 97.6%
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R100
    • Payout speed:Payout speed: Instant-7 days
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 195+
    • Fast Payout
    • Yebo Casino launched in 2014
    • 195+ casino games
    • Maximum cashout: R50000/per transaction
    • Withdrawal limits: R50000
    Deposit Methods:
    BitcoinEasyEFTInstant EFTMasterCardVisa
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline baccaratOnline baccaratVideo pokerVideo poker
    Developers:
    RTG
    Live Chat
    24/7
    Play Now
    NO DEPOSIT BONUS
  6. ZAR Casino

    ZAR Casino

    4.8/5
    CasinoHEX rating 
    CasinoHEX rating
    9/10
    • Win rate:Win rate: 98%%
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R100
    • Payout speed:Payout speed: 3-5 days
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 288+
    • High Roller
    • ZAR Casino launched in 2006
    • 288+ casino games
    • Maximum cashout: R80000/per month
    • Withdrawal limits: R20000/per week
    Deposit Methods:
    American ExpressBitcoinEasyEFTEthereumInstant EFT
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline baccaratOnline baccaratVideo pokerVideo poker
    Developers:
    MicrogamingNucleus GamingRivalSaucify
    Mobile App
    android
    Live Chat
    24/7
    PLAYER’S CHOICE
  7. TuskCasino

    TuskCasino

    4.7/5
    • Min. deposit:Min. deposit: R50
    • Casino Games:Casino Games: 12123+
    • TuskCasino launched in 2020
    • 12123+ casino games
    • Live Dealer
    Deposit Methods:
    AstropayBitcoinMasterCardNetellerSkrill
    Game Types:
    Online slotsOnline slotsOnline rouletteOnline rouletteOnline blackjackOnline blackjackOnline scratch cardsOnline scratch cardsVideo pokerVideo poker
    Developers:
    AmaticBetSoftEvolution GamingHabaneroMicrogaming