MGM Osaka Begins Construction on Japan’s First Casino Resort, Opening in 2030

On April 24, construction officially began on MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort (IR) with a casino. A ceremonial sake barrel opening at Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, marked the occasion. Executives from MGM Resorts International, Orix Corporation, and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura were among those present.

The project, which carries a price tag of $8.9 billion, is scheduled to open by the end of 2030. It's not just a significant development for Osaka, it’s a landmark moment for Japan as the country embraces legalized casino gaming after decades of hesitation. Here’s a closer look at what’s planned, why it matters, and what challenges are on the horizon.

A Major Step Forward for Japan’s Casino Industry

Japan’s complicated relationship with gambling has long shaped its policies. Before 2018, gambling activities were mainly limited to state-regulated areas like lotteries and horse racing. Casino gaming was seen as taboo. However, the passing of the Integrated Resorts Implementation Act changed that narrative, allowing the creation of up to three integrated resorts across the country.

MGM Osaka is the first IR to break ground. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle described the groundbreaking as a "historic moment" that would stimulate tourism, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic development. Early projections suggest MGM Osaka could generate $5.9 billion annually, putting it among the top casino markets in Asia, second only to Macau.

The project is being funded by a partnership between MGM Resorts International, Orix Corp, and several smaller Japanese investors, showing a collaborative approach between foreign and domestic interests.

What Will MGM Osaka Offer?

MGM Osaka will be far more than just a casino. The 52-acre development is designed to be a world-class entertainment and hospitality destination. Planned features include:

• Three luxury hotels offering a total of 2,500 rooms
• Convention and exhibition spaces for major international events
• A cutting-edge live entertainment theater
• Upscale restaurants & casino dining, shopping venues, and cultural exhibits

Interestingly, only 3% of the floor space will be dedicated to casino gaming, a conscious decision in line with Japan’s broader tourism goals. Japanese authorities have emphasized that the IR model should promote culture, business tourism, and family-friendly attractions.

Japan’s target is ambitious: 20 million visitors annually, including around 6 million international tourists. MGM Osaka is expected to become a centerpiece for that strategy.

Balancing Tourism Growth with Social Responsibility

While the potential economic benefits are enormous, not everyone is cheering the development. Public concerns about gambling addiction and social disruption remain strong. Japan already deals with unregulated gambling activities,  including an estimated 3.37 million people engaging with illegal online casinos, according to the National Police Agency.

In response, Japan has laid out strict responsible gambling measures for MGM Osaka. These include entry fees for domestic visitors, limits on the number of casino visits per week, and comprehensive addiction support programs. The goal is to prevent the IRs from becoming social burdens while still boosting tourism and economic development.

Economic Headwinds and Global Competition

Building a mega-resort is never simple, and the scale of MGM Osaka brings its own set of risks. Aside from the staggering $8.9 billion cost, Japan faces an unpredictable economic environment. Global trade tensions, inflationary pressures, and possible currency fluctuations could impact investor confidence over the next several years.

Moreover, the Asian casino market is already highly competitive. Heavyweights like Macau and Singapore have established themselves as top destinations. MGM Osaka’s success will likely depend on its ability to differentiate, offering a uniquely Japanese cultural experience alongside world-class gaming and hospitality.

Local experts believe the project's cultural focus, blending art, performance, and high-end cuisine, could give it a distinct identity that sets it apart from its rivals.

Community Reaction and Public Sentiment

Despite some concerns, early community reaction to MGM Osaka is cautiously optimistic. Many locals view the project as a much-needed boost following the pandemic's severe impact on tourism and regional development. The resort is expected to create thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality, and entertainment, and inject billions of yen into the Kansai region's economy.

Still, skepticism remains among some residents who fear the social impacts and question whether the economic benefits will be fairly distributed. Public trust will largely depend on how the project is managed in the coming years, particularly on how effectively the promised safeguards are implemented.

Final Thoughts

MGM Osaka’s groundbreaking is a historic moment not just for Osaka, but for all of Japan. After years of debate, setbacks, and negotiations, the country is finally laying the foundation for its first integrated resort with a casino.

If everything proceeds as planned, the resort is expected to open by the end of 2030. For now, the focus shifts to the enormous task of construction, community engagement, and ensuring that responsible gaming policies are firmly established. MGM Osaka’s success, or failure, could shape the future of casino gaming in Japan for decades to come.