MGM Resorts International has unveiled the details of its plans for an integrated resort in Osaka should casino gambling be legalized by the Japanese parliament.
President Bill Hornbuckle delivered MGM’s casino plans for Osaka at the Mizuho Investment Conference in Tokyo. The presentation, titled “Our Vision for a Japan Integrated Resort”, reveal that MGM’s integrated resort would be located on a waterfront property on Yumeshima, a plot of reclaimed land along Osaka Bay. It’s the same proposed casino site Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui promoted back in April.
Hornbuckle said the company’s vision for MGM Osaka would be significantly different from any integrated resorts in Las Vegas and Singapore. First, it would be “uniquely Japanese,” featuring a design that pays homage to Japan’s rich culture and heritage. The development of the resort will also help spur infrastructure investment, expand non-manufacturing sectors of the economy and jump-start development in surrounding communities. These objectives are in line with the company’s plan to create a consortium made up of Japanese companies that can help the project integrate itself with surrounding regions while attracting tourists and local businesses within the resort’s vicinity.
The Las Vegas-based company’s choice of Osaka also highlights the city’s acceptance in hosting a casino operator. Governor Matsui has been a huge supporter of casino development in his city once the IR Bill is passed by Japanese politicians.
MGM Resorts is expected to compete with other foreign operators, such as Melco Crown Entertainment who have zeroed in on the city for their own proposed integrated resorts.
