Japan: MGM's Osaka casino resort set to open by 2030

Japan’s first casino resort, located in Osaka, is slated to open in late 2030, marking a significant step in the country's growing embrace of legalized gambling. 

The resort, part of a broader integrated development initiative, will be operated by Osaka IR KK, which made a commitment to the project by waiving its right to withdraw without penalty, according to Nikkei Business Daily.

Preparations for the development will commence at the end of September, with substantial financial backing from two major players: MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp. Both companies hold a 40% stake in the project, solidifying their role in bringing Japan's long-awaited integrated resort (IR) vision to life.

The resort will be constructed on Yumeshima, a reclaimed island in Osaka Bay. This location is poised to become a hub of activity, as it is also set to host the World Expo in 2025. The IR complex will feature a diverse range of attractions, including luxury hotels, conference center, shopping mall, and a museum. In addition, the development will cater to high-end clientele with a ferry terminal and a helicopter pad.

The Osaka IR represents a major shift in Japan's entertainment and tourism landscape, as the country continues to relax restrictions on gambling in a bid to boost its economy and attract foreign tourists.