The company is looking to extend its regional presence as Japan is set to launch the location selection and licensing stages of its casino legalization process that will pave the way for the development of up to three integrated resorts with dedicated gaming areas.
The Las Vegas gaming and hospitality giant, whose Asian operations currently include integrated resorts in Macau and Singapore, previously planned to bid for a license for the construction and operation of a casino complex in Osaka.
The city envisions a massive integrated resort on the artificial Yumeshima Island, which will also host World Expo 2025. Many believe that Osaka is the frontrunner in the casino race and will be the host of the nation’s first casino resort.
Some of the world’s largest hotel and casino operators are eyeing development opportunities in the city, including MGM Resorts International and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. As mentioned, above, Las Vegas Sands, too, pursued actively expansion opportunities in Osaka, but its sights are now set on different cities.
Of their decision to abandon their Osaka expansion pursuit, Adelson said that “for the past several years, we have engaged in a conversation with the Osaka government regarding the possibility of building a world-class Integrated Resort there. We thank the people and government there for their professionalism and wish them much success with Expo 2025 and the other initiatives they have planned.”
The businessman added that his company targets “new development opportunities that allow us to maintain our industry-leading returns on invested capital and we think an investment in Tokyo or Yokohama gives us the best opportunity to do exactly that.”
Source: GMB / Casino News Daily
