Osaka's integrated resort developer consortium has secured a $3.4 billion loan from a bank consortium, to further the development of the country's first casino.

International investment companies have set their sights on new hotel investment plans, aiming to capitalize off Osaka's casino plans.

According to the Japan Times, preparatory works for developing the Yumeshima artificial island in Osaka Bay started less than 500 days before the expo is due to open in spring, 2025.

And those who have been waiting to see an Integrated Resort in Japan are having their patience tested yet again, as MGM's Osaka IR project is now only expected to open in the autumn of 2030, at an additional cost of $1.3 billion. Meanwhile, down under, Australia's regulators are only likely to let up on their industry crackdown within three to five years, and Crown and The Star are seeking to position themselves for the win. And in South Korea, Jeju Dream Tower's casino revenue fell in August despite an increase in visitation.

The Osaka prefectural and municipal governments announced on Tuesday that the opening of MGM's casino resort on Yumeshima artificial island in Osaka Bay has been postponed to the autumn of 2030. This delay is attributed to the protracted process of gaining central government approval and an unexpected surge in construction material costs.

Japan's first planned casino resort in Osaka is set to secure a record-breaking JPY550 billion ($4.1 billion) loan after receiving the green light from the government, however some banks that were previously expected to be involved have reconsidered their decision.

MGM Resorts has announced that it is hoping to break ground on its Osaka integrated resort project “either late this year or first part of next year,” noting that it is hoping to open within the first or second quarter of 2030.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has confirmed the approval of Osaka's IR plan, meaning the city will be the first in the nation to have a casino, beating out Nagasaki - which is expected to suffer months of further delays.

The Japanese government has approved the nation’s first integrated resort, equipped with a casino, this morning – to be located in Osaka.

If Japan proceeds with its IR plans, it will become a strong competitor to Macau and have an impact on the city’s gaming revenue largely due to its proximity to China, warns a local gaming expert.