Osaka Casino Resort Breaks Ground Ahead of 2030 Opening
Construction has officially begun on Japan’s first integrated resort (IR) facility, a development set to feature a casino, hotels, and a major international convention center.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The groundbreaking took place on April 24 on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, just north of the site designated for the 2025 World Exposition.
Construction Goes Ahead Despite Noise Concerns
Despite previous concerns about noise and disruption during the Expo, which will run through October 13, 2025, developers are pressing forward. In response to these concerns, both the Osaka prefectural government and the project's operator, Osaka IR KK, have pledged to reduce the impact by limiting construction during peak visitation days and delaying heavy machinery use until after the Expo concludes.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said, “This would be Japan's first IR. We'd like to bring economic growth in Osaka and Japan.” The ceremony was also attended by Ed Bowers, CEO of MGM Resorts Japan and representative director of Osaka IR.
The resort, set to open around 2030, will occupy 49 hectares and represents an initial investment of approximately 1.27 trillion yen ($8.89 billion). Osaka IR KK, the developer consortium, includes the Japanese subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, Orix Corporation, and other stakeholders.
More Casinos & Games News
470 Gaming Tables and 6,400 Slots
Plans for the complex include a casino with 470 tables for games such as poker and baccarat, alongside 6,400 electronic slot and game machines. The international convention center will feature facilities capable of hosting over 6,000 attendees. Additionally, the development will house three hotels offering around 2,500 rooms in total, along with commercial spaces and a dedicated bus terminal.
The project is expected to attract as many as 20 million visitors annually and generate about 520 billion yen in revenue. It is the only integrated resort plan approved by Japan to date, having gained official support in April 2023.
Japan’s road to casino legalization has not been straightforward. The conversation began in 1999 when then-Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara proposed bringing casinos to Daiba. Interest grew under the second Abe administration, culminating in the passage of the IR Implementation Law in July 2018. In line with the law, a Casino Management Committee was set up in 2020 under the Cabinet Office to address issues such as gambling addiction, money laundering, and potential ties to organized crime.
While other regions like Nagasaki, Wakayama, and Yokohama also expressed interest in hosting IRs, Osaka’s plan is the only one to move forward officially. However, public unease over the potential social impacts of casino gambling remains a concern.
RELATED TOPICS: Casinos & Games
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Osaka Casino Resort Breaks Ground Ahead of 2030 Opening