Inside Asian Gaming

MAR 2019 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 29 a massive sheet and towel cleaning task. Hori continues, “We have professionals for all aspects of the business, including hiring and securing personnel. Our ideas will be presented to the IR operators. We have the casting vote. “But this alliance is not out to become a so-called pressure group. As a partner to take on the competition, we will actively engage our know-how with any overseas operator vying to join the Osaka IR venture.” IR OPERATORS MUST REMAIN ON GUARD The companies currently keeping office at the front line in Osaka city include MGM Resorts Japan, Melco Resorts and Entertainment and Genting Singapore. We heard from one operator that, “An organization like [IR Local Alliance] can’t be ignored.” The Osaka IR calendar is pulling ahead of the national government’s timeline, looking for a 2024 opening, meaning that the process of narrowing down candidate operators will happen in July of this year. After all, it would be ridiculous to have an IR property under construction right next to the Osaka/Kansai World Expo in 2025. Not only that, it is expected to take three years to complete transportation and airport access to Yumeshima. Therefore, Osaka prefecture and city plan to independently start public offerings of operator plans in the Spring. That means the Local Alliance decision will inevitably be made quickly. “The game of musical chairs has begun,” adds Hori. “We want to partner with whoever will be the best for Osaka. In other words, the best is whoever will incorporate our wishes. Right now MGM has a leg up, but I hear that Melco is catching up. We want to establish our position by March, before the public offerings begin.” Osaka prefecture and city have announced the “Osaka IR Fundamentals Plan” and are approaching the goal line. The question is, will it be an IR of Osaka, by Osaka and for Osaka? Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri Festival