Sixnames revealed for upcoming IR projectTheRFC is the first phase of development and will last until June 28Consultancyfirm says Osaka officials need to speed up the process
Six brands have been introduced to the public as part of the initial phase of the Integrated Resort project. Much more needs to be done, and sooner, lest the project misses the 2025 deadline.
Osaka Names Six Possible Casino Brands for IRProject
Osaka conurbation authorities have revealed the names of six brands interested in building their casino properties on the territory of the future Integrated Resort (IR) now expected to open doors in time for the World Expo in 2025.
Officials presented the names of six companies offering their projects as part of the request-for-concept (RFC) stage of the IR development. The brand names to have applied and been announced publicly include:
GalaxyEntertainment Group LTDGentingSingapore LtdLasVegas Sands CorpMelcoResorts and Entertainment LtdMGMResorts InternationalWynnResorts Ltd
It’s interesting to see that Caesars Entertainment is not on the list of applicants, even though the company has been making somewhat strong overtures towards the Integrated Resort.
Similarly, the inclusion of Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd doesn’t surprise anyone, after the company recently acquired Australian operator Crown Resort in a bid to boost its financial clout in the future resort.
MGM CEOJim Murren describedthe IR project as anunprecedented investment offering the best ROI in the industryhistorically. Galaxy Entertainment was among the first companies tobe identified as a potential bidder at a recent business expofocusing on Asia.
A Concept, Not aPermit
Toclear up any confusion, the Osaka IR promotion bureau explained thatthe names of the companies weren’t final. The aforementionedcompanies all were approved to participate in the RFC process, buttheir involvement could be suspended at a later stage.
Inorder to progress to the next stage, companies will have to make itinto the request-for-proposal (RFP)phase following an interview during the RFC. Admission to RFC doesn’tgrant automatic admission to the RFP, for example, nor does anyaffiliation with local authorities.
Thenamed participants will be given an opportunity to discuss theiroptions with the Osaka IR promotional bureau between June 3and June 28. BetweenAugust and October,the bureau will sit down with applicants and discuss the RFC.
Osaka IR May NotHappen By 2025
Osaka’s bid for the IR has been substantial, but for the project to be developed on time, unless Japanese authorities develop the legal framework that would allow construction work to begin, reported Global Market Advisors LLC.
The company explained that unless the framework is put in place by mid-2020, the Osaka IR may not open on time or the World Expo. Given the average time that it takes to develop a big casino resort, usually up to 40 months according to GMA, the estimation is correct.
Another pothole on the roadto progress is that Osaka will need 7BALL to find vendors first and onlythen request a permission to push ahead with the project from thenational government.
