Key Moments:
- MGM Resorts International has announced plans to employ around 12,000 workers for its upcoming Osaka integrated resort.
- The anticipated $12 billion Osaka resort has officially commenced construction in the Yumeshima district.
- The project targets an annual visitor count of approximately 20 million following its scheduled opening in the third quarter of 2030.
Strategic Investment in Japan’s Gaming Future
MGM Resorts International has revealed that its highly anticipated Osaka integrated resort will require a workforce of about 12,000 professionals. This announcement, made during a recent licensing hearing in the United States, highlights the massive scale and economic potential of the development. CEO William Hornbuckle shared new details about the project, which has begun construction in the Yumeshima district of Osaka after almost two decades of planning and regulatory navigation.
Project Scale and Market Potential
Valued at close to $12 billion, the Osaka resort stands as MGM’s largest initiative in Asia. William Hornbuckle described the complex as one of the world’s biggest casino projects, reflecting both its expansive footprint and the magnitude of its local labor requirements. He emphasized the unique opportunity presented by Japan’s population and regulatory landscape, stating, “there is no other opportunity in any market anywhere in the world for a single operator casino license with a population of 120 million people.”
Inspired by Integrated Resort Models
The vision for MGM’s Osaka property draws inspiration from Singapore’s integrated resort model, with Hornbuckle commending the operational balance and responsible gaming found in Singapore. This approach has informed MGM’s strategy for entering Japan’s evolving gaming sector.
Comprehensive Destination on Yumeshima Island
The Osaka integrated resort is set to open in the third quarter of 2030 on the man-made Yumeshima island, which is also the location for the upcoming 2025 World Expo. The development will feature luxury hotels, upscale retail, a diverse array of dining experiences, and a theater, aiming to position Osaka as a premier tourism and entertainment hub. The project is expected to draw roughly 20 million visitors each year, driving tourism and supporting regional development.
| Project Detail | Figures / Facts |
|---|---|
| Resort Value | $12 billion |
| Construction Estimate | JPY1.27 trillion (approx. US$8.1 billion) |
| Anticipated Opening | Q3 2030 |
| Expected Employees | 12,000 |
| Target Visitors Per Year | 20 million |
| Estimated 10-Year Regional Economic Contribution | JPY1 trillion (approx. US$6.4 billion) |
Economic Contributions and Regulatory Progress
The Osaka IR project has an estimated construction cost of JPY1.27 trillion, around US$8.1 billion, and achieved regulatory approval in 2023 after a thorough review. According to economists, over a decade the resort has the capacity to contribute JPY1 trillion, about US$6.4 billion, to the local economy by driving job creation, increasing tourist spending, and supporting ancillary service sectors.
Implications for Japan’s Casino Industry
The MGM Osaka integrated resort signals a pivotal shift in Japan’s casino landscape, setting a benchmark for future developments and essential infrastructure in the sector. As a result of this investment, Osaka and the broader Japanese market are poised for considerable economic and cultural transformation, alongside the creation of thousands of new jobs and the emergence of a flagship entertainment destination.
- Author
Daniel Williams
