MGM Osaka: A trillion-yen mega project for urban transformation and a new economic era

Located on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, near the site of the Grand Ring—the world’s largest wooden architecture and the venue of EXPO 2025 OSAKA, KANSAI, JAPAN—this marks a significant milestone for the nation.

MGM Osaka is the first casino resort to receive official approval under Japan’s 2018 IR law, which permits the development of up to three integrated resorts nationwide. As of now, it remains the only officially approved project.

This initiative represents a major step forward in promoting Japan’s tourism industry, particularly in the Kansai region, and signifies the country’s first foray into the legal casino market.

Interestingly, Japan spent over 20 years studying and preparing various aspects of the integrated resort concept before MGM Osaka received its official approval in 2023. Construction officially began in April 2025.

Overview of the 1.27-Trillion-Yen Mega Project

MGM Osaka is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International from the United States and Japan’s Orix Corporation, each holding a 42.5% stake. The remaining 15% is held by local partners such as Panasonic, Kansai Electric Power, and West Japan Railway.

The project involves a total investment of approximately ¥1.27 trillion (about US$8.9 billion or THB311.5 billion), spanning a large area on the man-made Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2030.

Planned facilities include a casino, three hotels (with a combined total of around 2,500 rooms), a large convention centre, exhibition halls, a theatre, restaurants, and retail spaces. The resort is expected to attract a significant number of international tourists and generate annual gaming revenue of approximately US$5.9 billion, with an EBITDA exceeding US$2 billion.

Economic Aspects

The MGM Osaka project holds significant potential to stimulate the Kansai region’s economy, notably through the creation of tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It is also expected to boost inbound tourism to Japan in the post-Covid-19 era, particularly attracting visitors from China and Southeast Asia.

From an infrastructure standpoint, the project is accelerating the development of Osaka’s transportation system. This includes the opening of a new subway station in January 2025 and the extension of the Kintetsu Nara Line to connect with Yumeshima Island.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its economic potential, MGM Osaka faces a number of challenges, especially public concerns over issues such as gambling addiction, money laundering, and social impact.

Although construction is now underway, opposition remains. One citizen group has even filed a lawsuit against the Osaka government, arguing that the city will bear high social costs, including gambling-related harm and increased law enforcement and judicial expenses. To address this, Japan plans to charge a casino entry fee for Japanese nationals and limit their visits to a maximum of three times per week.