Presumably, this makes it certain that MGM Resorts has now become the “winner” of the once-coveted position as Osaka’s IR operator partner. Certainly, no other operator worked longer and more methodically in building up their Osaka campaign.
At last word, Galaxy Entertainment and Genting Singapore were also in the Osaka race, but it appears that both firms quietly dropped out in recent weeks.
While MGM Japan officials will be justifiably proud in reaching an apparent success in Japan’s second-largest urban market, the circumstances seem to be far from ideal.
It will certainly be an embarrassment to the Osaka government that only one IR operator candidate came through with a bid, especially when just a year ago it was the most sought-after municipal government in Japan.
Being the only operator with a successful bid gives MGM a lot of clout going into the rest of the IR process. With Osaka apparently hell bent on having an IR, and as soon as possible, MGM can now set the terms of the deal. If Osaka doesn’t like it, they’ll have to restart the whole process. But considering how much time and money both sides are throwing at this opportunity, the odds that either would risk scuttling the deal seems unlikely.
Source: GMB / AG Brief / Calvin Ayre
