Genting Singapore has officially announced its participation in the RFC process to develop an integrated resort in Osaka.
The company revealed on Thursday that it will now prepare a concept plan ahead of the city’s previously declared August deadline.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, Osaka launched the RFC process for a Yumeshima IR at the end of April. MGM Resorts International with its “Osaka First” slogan, Las Vegas Sands, Melco Resorts and Entertainment, Galaxy Entertainment Group and Wynn Resorts are the most prominent bidders, with Genting Singapore the latest to declare its Osaka intentions.
Genting Singapore was one of seven operators to participate in the 1st Japan IR Expo 2019 last week, where President and COO Tan Hee Teck stated, “The 49 hectare space on Osaka’s Yumeshima is almost the exact same area as Resort World Sentosa.”
While he didn’t disclose the company’s plans for concept submission at the event, he did mention “Kampung spirit” – a Singaporean phrase meaning co-existence and co-prosperity – making it clear that Genting Singapore has a keen interest in Osaka IR.
Thursday’s announcement comes one day after the Japanese government confirmed it will postpone the publication of the fundamental policy regarding the establishment of integrated resorts
Nevertheless, Osaka has not backed down on its goal of opening an IR in 2024. It’s no secret that Japan prefers the Singapore IR model, where Genting Singapore and Las Vegas Sands operate the island’s two IRs.