MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Frontrunners for Osaka Casino License

Osaka Prefecture has taken another step towards the realization of integrated resorts (IR) project by launching the request-for-concept application. The brands with the highest chances to gain one of three announced certifications are…

…MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands. The license should make it possible for the corporation (which gains it) to build an IR with a casino on the artificial Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay.

Japan’s Journey to IRs

The whole project of building the IR facilities has been going on for years and years, with a multitude of turbulences and obstacles. Although numerous prefectures are eligible to host such complexes on their territories, only three locations have shown actual interest. The reason for that is…

…lack of interest for this form of entertainment in the Land of the Rising Sun. In addition to this, plenty of local governments expressed concerns about public safety if allowing project realization. On the other hand, the project could bring more tourists which would result in significant financial benefits among all.

MGM Sets Solid Foundations

When the whole idea of IRs started brewing in Japan, MGM developed and applied quite a smart strategy to increase the chances of gaining one of the three initial certificates. By opening a local office in Osaka, the corporation showed open interest in expanding on this oriental market. Moreover, the company…

…inked an deal with MLB saw MGM as a title sponsor of the Opening Series.

Just to point out, the Resort and Las Vegas Sands are not the only interested in gaining the permission to operate in Osaka. Lawrence Ho’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Wynn Resorts are in the run as well.

Strategies to Protect Players

Besides the dynamic course of events regarding the integrated resorts, Japan also focuses on dealing with local gambling-related issues. The biggest troublemakers at the time being are pachinko parlors and the government is putting efforts to remove cash withdrawal machines from such establishments. Moreover, the increasing number of minors exposed to…

…inadequate content and visiting establishments despite age restriction required stricter measures. Therefore, they developed a special technology which implements facial recognition as a detection method. This method should help minimize the number of underage consumers. The venues will be obliged to include warnings on adverts as well.

Source:

“MGM and Las Vegas Sands Applies for Osaka Casino License”, Narayan Niji, europeangaming.eu, May 7, 2019.