In Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, Melco Resorts and Genting Singapore are all confirmed as participants in Osaka’s request for concept phase.

There were seven bidders in total with two bidders requesting not to be identified. A noticeable omission is Galaxy Entertainment, which previously said it was interested in Osaka.

Osaka will have conversations with the bidders throughout June with a full submission due in August. Global Market Advisors still expects a casino opening in Osaka by 2025 will be challenging even under the most aggressive timeline and with the assumption the regulatory board will be formed by the end of the year.

If the full process isn’t in place for Japanese casinos by the second quarter of next year it’s unlikely any casino could open in Osaka before the World Expo in 2025. Global Market Advisors estimates full development for one casino in Japan should take 54 to 64 months. Currently, there are 67 months left before the World Expo.

Source: Fantini's Gaming Report