MGM Resorts International, in collaboration with Japanese financial conglomerate Orix, is navigating through challenges of delays and escalating costs for its proposed casino resort in Osaka, brought on by the pressures of worldwide inflation. Having original plans confirming the resort’s opening in the fall or winter of 2029, the revised schedule anticipates a debut in autumn or winter of 2030.
This holdup primarily results from slow and late government approvals, only obtained as recently as April this year. With the revamped plan set for government approval soon, Osaka’s authorities seek to consolidate a contract with the casino resort operator, potentially later in the month.
The venture’s stakes are proportioned with 40% ownership for both MGM and Orix, while the remaining 20% is divided among a cluster of local investors. However, the influence of inflation on the project could soon shift this distribution.
Reports from 2022 raised alarms about surging inflation affecting America’s casino sector. Although not significantly impacted, there are telltale signs of economical patrons in regional markets reducing their gambling expenditures. Contrastingly, the Osaka casino project is decidedly feeling the inflation pinch.
Set to advance the Osaka gaming venue, the introductory investment is projected to surge by $1.29 billion or 17.6% due to escalating prices for building materials. The initial cost for carrying the project was approximated at $8.1 billion. Nonetheless, with climbing prices for commodities, the total expenditure is expected to hit the $9.3 billion mark.
The heightened expenses will be shouldered by MGM and Orix, leading their stakes in the venture to balloon to 42.5% each, while the local consortium witnesses a reduction in its interest down to 15%.
Meanwhile, MGM executives are taking note of the perks of being a minority player in the Osaka project. It provides a buffer against comprehensive capital responsibilities and risks, stressing an abundant potential for profits.
Clerical slowdowns, policy missteps, and assorted blunders have blemished the path to establishing integrated resorts in Japan. These hurdles led multiple renowned operators to retract their attempts to secure licenses in Japan.
In contrast, MGM persists with its Osaka agenda. Despite the setbacks and the cost blowouts, MGM’s enduring approach to the project could be rewarded handsomely. Observations suggest that the venue could register sales of $4 billion in its inaugural operational year and yield profits on invested capital in the teens once it is entirely operational.
As per some market watchers, a fully operational Osaka integrated resort might contend with Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa — Singapore’s duo of gaming properties — for the crown of the most profitable casino hotel in the Asia-Pacific zone.
