An integrated resort in Osaka would attract up to 24.8 million visitors per year and contribute an economic ripple effect of JPY760 billion per year, according to a new report assembled by Osaka prefecture and city.
As reported by the Asahi Shimbun, the Osaka IR Fundamentals Plan outlines a range of initiatives and impacts of an Osaka IR, including an expected final scale of the development of around 60 hectares with a total floor space of 1 million square meters.
The size of investment is JPY930 billion (US$8.5 billion) and in addition to a casino, it will provide Japan’s largest international conference halls, entertainment and commercial facilities. Annual sales are predicted to be JPY480 billion (US$4.4 billion) of which casino sales will make up 80% of the total at around JPY380 billion.
There will be a new police station to ensure a robust police presence on Yumeshima, the candidate site. This will supplement the private security guards and security cameras installed by the operator, plus measures to eliminate money laundering and organized crime.
Further, there will be a consultative body that operators will participate in to prevent gambling addition as well as the development of advanced anti-addiction measures such as information communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI). There will be a system where players can request self-exclusion and a counseling service that will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a week.
The proposal is close to becoming an official decision and will be used as a guideline for selecting operators starting this spring.