The upcoming $10 billion MGM Osaka integrated resort casino, a joint resort complex project to be operated by casino giant MGM, has the potential to outshine Las Vegas Sands’ Singapore and Venetian Macau facilities in terms of revenue early in the next decade. In Japan, there is a strong potential for casino and recreation complex but there have been many delays due to approvals from government agencies.

Analysts from financial services provider Morningstar have estimated that MGM Osaka will be in a position to generate more than $4 billion in revenue by early 2030s. In that case, this estimated amount of revenue would exceed the Sands Singapore and Venetian Macau facilities’ revenue levels of $3 billion and $4 billion, respectively. In the initial period, it is expected to attract around 6 million foreign tourists and 14 million domestic visitors to generate roughly JPY520 billion ($3.6 billion) in revenues each year.

Morningstar’s senior equity analyst Dan Wasiolek told the casino magazine Asian Gaming Brief (AGB) that Osaka recorded more than 12 million international visits before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the development of the new casino resort would attract even more visitors from Western countries and China.

It may be noted here that Osaka, a designated city in Japan’s Kansai region, is the most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third most populous city in the country, after Tokyo and Yokohama. It has a considerable population of 2.7 million (as per the 2020 census), and it attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world every year. Development of MGM Osaka and its proximity to an international airport will likely further boost the number of visitors.

Speaking on the topic, Wasiolek said, “This view is buoyed by the resort’s proximity to Osaka’s airport and business center, which should be enhanced by new transportation infrastructure.”

Wasiolek also noted that the dense population and high income of Osaka residents will also help the planned gambling-friendly facility in setting new revenue records.

The MGM Osaka is set for development at a 490,000 sq. m. plot of land in north Yumeshima – an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The casino in question is expected to be up and running in 2029 or 2030. MGM has partnered with Orix to develop the planned casino resort.

In addition to the nation’s appetite for casino play, additional gamblers from existing gaming hubs like Singapore and Macau may provide a big boost to the upcoming gambling-friendly property.