Businesses unsure over economic impact of MGM Osaka: Report
More than a third of Japan’s leading companies are uncertain about the economic benefits of MGM Osaka, a JPY1.5 trillion ($9.66 billion) integrated resort planned for Osaka Bay. A poll by Sankei Shimbun newspaper between late November and mid-December, with 109 corporate respondents, found that 38 percent could not assess whether the project would deliver economic gains.
According to a GGR Asia report, while companies expressed doubts about the casino-dependent model, around 59 percent highlighted potential benefits from broader bay area redevelopment, suggesting they see the resort as part of a broader urban transformation rather than a standalone project.
MGM Osaka’s financial structure relies on casinos for roughly 80 percent of projected revenues, alongside hotels, convention facilities, entertainment venues, and other hospitality components. Based on the survey result, corporate evaluators said they face challenges predicting long-term performance because Japan has no domestic precedent for large-scale casino operations.
The poll also showed that over 60 percent of companies approve of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic policies, particularly measures on economic direction and security, while calling for social security reforms.
Osaka plans land sale near resort
Meanwhile, according to a Japan Times report, the Osaka city government has announced plans to sell roughly 500,000 square metres of land at the former 2025 World Exposition site, adjacent to MGM Osaka. The land on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is intended to support development compatible with the integrated resort.
The report said that the city and prefectural authorities have reviewed private sector proposals and selected two leading concepts. One envisages a racing circuit and large-scale arena; the other proposes a luxury resort with a water park. Formal applications from developers are expected in spring 2026. Both plans aim to align with the resort and the expo’s philosophy, creating an entertainment hub that could attract international visitors.
Interest is growing in bringing Formula 1 racing to Osaka, which could enhance the area’s global appeal. MGM Osaka, scheduled to open in autumn 2030, will be Japan’s first large-scale complex to include a casino. Construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024.
In a recent local report, MGM Osaka will feature a 27‑storey tower as its centrepiece attraction, along with a casino covering 23,293 square metres, hosting around 470 gaming tables and 6,400 electronic gaming machines. The report also said that the integrated resort will also feature a 16.7‑hectare, four‑storey section, standing 27 metres high, which will contain the resort’s main MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) facilities and parking areas.
Expo legacy supports development
The 2025 World Exposition, held over six months and concluding on 13 October 2025, attracted more than 25 million ticketed visitors. Japanese officials hope the sale and redevelopment of the expo site will build on this legacy, providing infrastructure and attractions that complement MGM Osaka while sustaining interest in Osaka Bay as a destination for tourism and entertainment.
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