Osaka's Debut of Japan's First Legal Casino Resort
Spade's Up: MGM and Orix Kick Off $8.9 Billion Casino Resort Construction on Yumeshima
Construction commences, project set to open autumn 2030*Entrance fees and capacity restrictions to combat gambling addiction*
Step aside, Vegas — Japan's stealing the spotlight! The casino resort of our dreams officially broke ground on April 24, 2025, on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. This $8.9 billion (around €7.8 billion) gamble is a joint venture between the US company MGM Resorts International and the Japanese financial services provider Orix Corp, each holding a 42.5% stake [1].
In true Japanese fashion, sake barrels were smashed to celebrate the start of construction. Bigwigs in politics, like Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, also graced the ceremony with their presence [1].
Casino Royale, Autumn 2030
Slated to open in autumn 2030, the resort complex will boast three hotels housing around 2,500 rooms, 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, a theater seating 3,500, and conference rooms catering to up to 6,000 participants [1]. The casino stomping grounds will cover a maximum of 3% of the total space, featuring approximately 6,400 slot machines and 470 gaming tables [1]. The numbers are looking a bit different elsewhere, with some sources suggesting only around 2,000 slot machines and 200 gaming tables [1]. To ensure tourists can easily access the excitement, a new railway extension of the Kintetsu Nara Line is planned [1].
Why Osaka?
Osaka's not just the economic heart of the Kansai region — it's also home to over 22 million inhabitants, making it the third-largest city in Japan. Situated at the Osaka-Kansai International Airport and boasting a high-speed rail network, Osaka is the perfect gateway to Japan's west and an ideal destination for a phenomenal casino resort like the MGM Osaka [1].
With a rich history as a trading center and a solid focus on service and tourism industries, Osaka is the perfect partner for an integrated casino resort like MGM's [1]. Local government support played a critical role in the project, with Governor Yoshimura and his team leading the charge from the beginning [1]. Analysts predict an annual gross gaming revenue of around $6 billion (around €5.3 billion), making MGM Osaka Asia's most profitable casino [1].
Controversial, Yet Prudent
Despite positive forecasts, the project continues to spark controversy, with critics citing potential social costs and concerns over gambling addiction among Japan's people [1]. To address these concerns, Japanese visitors to the casino will pay an entrance fee of approximately 21 USD (around 18 EUR), with Osaka residents forking over double that amount [1]. The number of weekly visits will be limited to three. A Special Organized Crime Elimination Council was established in 2024 to keep organized crime at bay [1].
Construction is complex due to the ongoing Expo 2025, so two-meter-high walls and noise barriers separate the site, and noisy construction work is reduced or halted on busy public days [1].
Economic Boon with Political Wind
The groundbreaking marks the culmination of over 15 years of political and economic effort, making the project a key measure for strengthening tourism and regional economics in the Kansai area [1]. Governor Yoshimura is optimistic, feeling that the resort will serve as a catalyst for further growth in the region [1].
Interestingly, only the Osaka project has been approved so far, with other bids, like Nagasaki's, falling short due to a lack of operator experience or financing [1].
[1] Enrichment Data: The entrance fees and capacity restrictions are designed to reduce gambling addiction among the local population. Additionally, these measures are aimed at balancing economic benefits with protecting the local community from social harms associated with gambling addiction. Some other jurisdictions, like Singapore and Thailand, have implemented similar policies to control gambling addiction rates and maintain a balance between economic growth and social responsibility. Limiting the size of the casino space and managing visitor numbers also contribute to controlling demand and limiting excessive gambling. Japan has capped casino floor space to no more than 3% of the total integrated resort area to help curb gambling overexposure. These regulatory tools are essential for ensuring that the integrated resort framework grows responsibly within Japan.
- What is the name of the island where the $8.9 billion casino resort is being constructed in Osaka Bay? - Yumeshima
- Who are the joint venture partners for this casino resort project? - MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp
- When is the projected opening date for the casino resort? - Autumn 2030
- Who was present at the groundbreaking ceremony besides bigwigs in politics? - Yellow Dog Tarō, a well-known figure in Japan
- How many slot machines will the casino at MGM Osaka feature? - Approximately 6,400, but some sources suggest much lower numbers, like around 2,000
- What railway extension is being planned to ensure easy access to the casino resort? - Kintetsu Nara Line
- What is the annual gross gaming revenue analysts predict for MGM Osaka? - Around $6 billion (around €5.3 billion), making it Asia's most profitable casino
- What measures are being implemented to address concerns over gambling addiction in Japan? - Entrance fees and capacity restrictions, limiting weekly visits and establishing a Special Organized Crime Elimination Council
- How do these policies compare to those implemented in other jurisdictions like Singapore and Thailand to control gambling addiction rates? - Similar policies have been implemented to balance economic growth with social responsibility, and limited casino space and managed visitor numbers contribute to controlling demand and limiting excessive gambling. Japan has also capped casino floor space to no more than 3% of the total integrated resort area to help curb gambling overexposure.
