Japan approves Osaka as site of country’s first casino amid problem gambling concerns

Casinos were previously illegal in Japan along with other private gambling, but a 2018 law provided exception to casino games such as poker or baccarat

Opponents of the long-controversial plan are expected to continue campaign to halt construction on island of Yumeshima ahead of its late-2029 scheduled opening

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Casinos have been promoted by a series of Liberal Democratic Party administrations in Tokyo as another way of bringing in more foreign visitors to Japan. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 10:30am, 14 Apr 2023Updated: 10:47am, 14 Apr 2023

Japan on Friday approved a plan to build the country’s first casino in the western city of Osaka, paving the way for a large resort aimed at attracting domestic and international tourist spending.

Put forth by the city and Osaka prefecture, the project aims to open a casino, conference centre and other facilities in 2029 with 1.8 trillion yen ($13.5 billion) of initial investment.

MGM Resorts International and local partner Orix Corp are spearheading the project, with each owning a 40 per cent stake in the company set up to manage the complex.

Another 20 companies including Osaka-based Panasonic, Kansai Electric Power and West Japan Railway hold the remaining 20 per cent stake, according to a local government document.

The spinning wheel on a roulette table is seen at a “casino school” in Tokyo in 2018. Photo: Reuters

The plan has long been controversial and opponents are expected to continue their campaign to halt construction on the man-made island of Yumeshima ahead of its scheduled opening.

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