Japan’s First Casino Resort MGM Osaka Hits 6,000+ Machines
Japan’s long-awaited entry into regulated land-based casino gaming has moved closer to reality as new details emerge about the scale of the country’s first integrated resort. Architectural documents reveal that MGM Osaka will feature approximately 6,400+ electronic gaming machines and around 470 gaming tables, establishing a clear operational benchmark for Japan’s casino sector.
The integrated resort is being developed on Yumeshima Island by a consortium led by MGM Resorts International and Japanese financial group ORIX. With an estimated investment of $10bn, the project represents the first fully authorised casino-integrated resort under Japan’s tightly controlled Integrated Resorts Act.
At the centre of the development is a 27-storey tower rising 126 metres, designed as the resort’s main architectural feature. The tower will house two hotels offering a combined 1,840 rooms, while a third hotel with 660 rooms will focus on cultural and experiential offerings aimed at both domestic and international visitors. In total, the resort is expected to provide approximately 2,500 hotel rooms across three properties.
Beyond gaming and accommodation, MGM Osaka places significant emphasis on non-gaming infrastructure. A 16.7-hectare complex will include large-scale MICE facilities, parking, and event spaces intended to attract conferences, exhibitions, and corporate travel. This reflects Japan’s broader policy objective of positioning integrated resorts as engines for tourism growth and regional economic development rather than purely gambling destinations.
Construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024, following preparatory work in late 2023. The resort is scheduled for completion in 2030, at which point it is expected to become a flagship destination for Osaka and a reference model for future integrated resorts nationwide.
While Japan continues to prohibit online casino operations, the progress of MGM Osaka highlights the government’s willingness to permit large-scale land-based gaming under strict regulatory oversight. With a second application window for additional integrated resorts expected to open in 2027, industry stakeholders will closely watch how MGM Osaka balances compliance, scale, and public perception. As observed by iGaming News Today, the project’s execution may ultimately shape the direction of Japan’s casino market for decades to come.
