MGM Osaka officially broke ground last week, marking the start of construction on Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino.
The ceremony, hosted by project promoter Osaka IR KK, was attended by Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura along with representatives from MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation, the joint partners behind the ¥1.27 trillion ($8.8 billion) development.
Located on the man-made island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, MGM Osaka is scheduled to open in autumn 2030. The project represents a significant milestone in Japan’s long-debated entry into legalized casino gaming and is expected to generate approximately $5.9 billion in annual gross gaming revenue once operational.
The resort will feature a casino, three hotels with around 2,500 rooms, and extensive conference and entertainment facilities, including a 3,500-seat theater, 330,000 square feet of exhibition space, and 400,000 square feet of conference areas. Dining and retail outlets will also be included in the expansive master plan.
A joint press statement noted that the project, developed in cooperation with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, aims to support the growth of Japan’s tourism sector and contribute to the economic development of the Kansai region.
Construction will be carefully managed around Expo 2025, which is also taking place on Yumeshima Island. Activities will be scaled down during peak Expo days, and the use of heavy machinery will be delayed until after the event concludes in October 2025.
Transportation infrastructure around the site is being enhanced in preparation. A new Osaka Metro station opened in January to serve both Expo 2025 and the future resort, and the Kintetsu Nara Line is being extended to further improve access before MGM Osaka’s opening.
Financial backing for the project includes a ¥530 billion ($3.68 billion) debt financing package, led by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., with additional investments from regional businesses in Osaka.
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