March 16, 2026
2 min read
Fact-checked by Angel Hristov
MGM Resorts Says Osaka Casino Could Challenge Marina Bay Sands
CFO Jonathan Halkyard said that MGM Osaka could be the largest and most successful integrated resort globally since Marina Bay Sands and noted that his company was quite happy with its investments in the project
MGM Resorts International executives said that they are highly optimistic about the company’s new casino in Osaka. They believe that the upcoming casino resort could challenge some of the long-established powerhouses in Asia, such as Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands property.
MGM Osaka Is Poised to Compete with Marina Bay Sands & Macau
Speaking at the recent JP Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant, and Leisure Management Access Forum, representatives of MGM’s leadership commented on the company’s new casino resort in Osaka, Japan. The venue is now under construction and will be an unprecedented location in the Land of the Rising Sun.
In addition to hoping to capitalize on local audiences and tourism to Japan, MGM’s leaders believe that the Osaka resort could become a competitor to Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore. MGM’s chief financial officer, Jonathan Halkyard, said that MGM Osaka could be the largest and most successful integrated resort globally since Marina Bay Sands and noted that his company was quite happy with its investments in the project.
Halkyard’s statement is quite the bold claim, considering that Marina Bay Sands has cemented itself as the world’s top integrated resort. However, his assertion was backed by CEO Bill Hornbuckle, who was bullish on the success of the Osaka Resort.
Hornbuckle highlighted several advantages MGM would have, including the fact that MGM Osaka will be the only operator for at least a few years. He was furthermore certain that the demand exists and that MGM Osaka could replicate Marina Bay Sands’ success in Singapore, potentially allowing MGM Resorts to kick off its Japan chapter with a cash flow of up to $2 billion.
Hornbuckle also noted that Osaka is closer to Shanghai and Beijing than Macau, allowing it to challenge Macau’s casino tourism dominance in the region, too.
MGM Launches New Gaming Experience at Park MGM
In other news, MGM just secured the go-ahead to pursue a new kind of gaming experience at Park MGM that will allow players to record and share their gameplay. The idea is to tap into the growing demand for similar entertainment and replicate the success of video game and iGaming streaming.
Considering the proximity of Park MGM to the T-Mobile Arena, MGM hopes that the new experience will appeal to fans of video gaming and streaming.
Although Fiona doesn't have a long-spanning background within the gambling industry, she is an incredibly skilled journalist who has built a strong interest in the constantly growing iGaming network. The team at Gambling News is glad to have her on our roster to help deliver the best stories as soon as they hit. Aside from writing, she loves to dabble in online casino games such as slots and roulette, both for her own enjoyment and also as research to better improve her understanding of the industry.
Must Read
More Articles
