Osaka IR: Three operators still in the game

The race for Osaka’s casino and resort is down to three runners.

Japan.- The race for Osaka’s fully IR Casino is down to only three runners: Genting Malaysia Berhad, MGM Resorts International, and Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Back in June, there were reportedly seven international companies who expressed their interest in running the city’s envisioned IR.

As reported recently by Inside Asian Gaming, this club of interested foreign companies has now been narrowed down. As a result of the decisions of Las Vegas Sands Corporation company and Melco Resorts and Entertainment to step back and focus on other Japanese cities.

Request for Concept Submitted

The trio already took part in the bidding process’ RFC or request for concept part of the deal. During the submission process, the casino operators had to present several specifications for their envisioned developmental projects. For instance, the scale and size of their hotel facilities as well as the size of their envisioned exhibition and convention facilities.

The three runners will soon engage in business talks with the Osaka’s officials before more formal talks can take place. Furthermore, the trio also has to reveal its formal RFP or request for proposal applications for the main selection process. The Osaka IR casino operator will be announced in the spring of 2020.

The city hopes to have this newly IR facility running in 2024 ahead of its popular international exhibition the World Expo 2025.