With Japan perhaps legalising casinos this year, the Osaka prefecture has been in talks with several prospective developers.
Osaka is angling to get a $4.8bn casino resort and has already had discussions with Caesars and Genting Singapore. Officials are scheduled to sit down with MGM Resorts in the next few months.
Caesars has toured Osaka Bay and has been in talks with potential local partners including Konami and Sega Sammy. Analysts have estimated that Osaka could be a $5bn a year market, alongside a potential $5bn in Tokyo.
All major casino operators have expressed interest in development there, as well as a handful of Japanese companies. Many observers believe that Las Vegas Sands and Wynn are the most likely American candidates for a licence. Macau-based Melco Crown and Galaxy Entertainment are also interested.
