MGM Resorts International is set to recruit approximately 12,000 employees for its upcoming MGM Osaka integrated resort, highlighting the project’s unprecedented scale in the global casino sector. CEO William Hornbuckle revealed the hiring projection during a recent US licensing hearing, emphasizing the long-term significance of the Osaka development.
The $12 billion resort, located in the Yumeshima district of Osaka, is MGM’s flagship investment in Asia and marks the company’s largest expansion outside the United States. The integrated resort will feature luxury hotels, retail outlets, fine dining venues, a theatre, and a high-end casino floor. Once operational, MGM Osaka is expected to welcome around 20 million visitors each year.
Construction has risen above ground following more than 16 years of planning, regulatory approvals, and government clearance at both national and local levels. The project draws inspiration from Singapore’s integrated resorts, which have successfully boosted tourism and economic growth. MGM Osaka aims to replicate this success in Japan, generating extensive benefits for local industries.
Developed in partnership with Japan’s ORIX Corporation, the resort is projected to generate approximately $6.4 billion in economic impact during its first decade, including job creation, tourism spending, and increased activity in the hospitality and transport sectors. Steve Zanella, appointed as president and CEO of MGM Japan, oversees the development and operational planning of the resort.
Slated for a third-quarter 2030 opening, MGM Osaka represents a landmark milestone for Japan’s integrated resort policy and the regional tourism economy. The scale of hiring and investment underlines MGM’s commitment to establishing a world-class entertainment and hospitality destination, positioning Osaka as a leading hub for gaming and leisure in Asia.
