MGM Frontrunner for Osaka License

Following last week’s announcement by Melco Resorts that it is pulling out of the bidding process for an integrated resort in Osaka to focus on the Japanese city of Yokohama, it appears that US Based operator MGM Resorts is now the favourite to secure a license for Osaka should the region be granted one of three licenses being issued by the Japanese government.

MGM is partnering with local firm Orix Ltd in the bid to secure one of the most coveted gambling licenses with already Las Vegas Sands almost certain to collect one. Although it is understood that MGM is the frontrunner in Osaka there still remains Wynn Resorts and Genting in the race there for the license.

Las Vegas Sands run by billionaire Sheldon Adelson has a strong portfolio of casino operations in Macau and Singapore is believed to be certain to get the license in Tokyo that it is targeting.

It is expected that the Japanese government will officially announce the locations for licensing bids early next year and the process for announcing the winners will be at the end of 2020.