TOKYO—A group that includes MGM Resorts International won government approval Friday to build Japan’s first casino, which they hope to complete by 2029 on an artificial island in Osaka.
The decision finally creates a clear path forward for a long-delayed plan to make casino resorts part of Japan’s tourism mix. Osaka, a popular tourist destination that has a large international airport and is close to the ancient capital of Kyoto, was among the first to raise its hand for a gambling license after legislation in 2016 made that possible.
TOKYO—A group that includes MGM Resorts International won government approval Friday to build Japan’s first casino, which they hope to complete by 2029 on an artificial island in Osaka.
The decision finally creates a clear path forward for a long-delayed plan to make casino resorts part of Japan’s tourism mix. Osaka, a popular tourist destination that has a large international airport and is close to the ancient capital of Kyoto, was among the first to raise its hand for a gambling license after legislation in 2016 made that possible.