16 OctDeals & M&A
MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School on training course
The partnership establishes a training route ahead of MGM Osaka’s planned opening.
Japan
Regulation, licensing and business developments in Japan. Open in the feed
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Companies
MGM Osaka, Japan Casino School, Orix, MGM Resorts, Universal Entertainment, JCM Global
Countries
Market dossier
Licensing, commercial relationships and regulatory developments.
Relationships
Reported licences, deals, appointments and other connections. Follow the entry links for context.
Timeline
Newest first, grouped by month.
October 2026
16 OctRegulation
Hokkaido plans request to ease national casino-resort MICE requirements
The prefecture is seeking changes to national requirements rather than announcing an approved casino resort.
15 OctDeals & M&A
MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School on certified gaming talent course
The partnership aims to develop gaming talent through a certified course for the MGM Osaka project.
5 OctLicences & markets
Yokohama looks likely to forgo Japan’s 2027 casino licence applications
Investors face Yokohama’s likely absence from Japan’s 2027 licensing process, with no mayoral candidate supporting a casino project.
September 2026
13 SepLicences & markets
Universal Entertainment plans overseas gaming equipment return through Nevada company
Universal Entertainment intends its overseas gaming equipment return to add revenue alongside amusement equipment and integrated resorts.
11 SepPeople moves
Yokohama mayor resigns amid possible revival of casino resort bid
Yamanaka’s resignation could allow Yokohama to revisit an integrated resort bid.
10 SepPeople moves
Yokohama mayor resigns, raising prospects for renewed casino bid
Yamanaka’s resignation could reopen prospects for a casino resort bid in Yokohama.
9 SepLicences & markets
Hokkaido business groups urge governor to advance casino resort preparations
The requested preparations would support a potential Hokkaido casino resort bid requiring a private-sector partner and national approval.
9 SepRegulation
Hokkaido business groups urge casino application preparations in Japan
Hokkaido business groups seek casino location discussions to prepare for Japan’s 2027 integrated resort application window.
8 SepLicences & markets
Hokkaido survey finds two overseas operators interested in potential casino resort
Two overseas operators’ interest gives the prefecture evidence of potential participation in a Hokkaido casino resort.
7 SepDeals & M&A
Orix outlines investment rationale for JPY1.51tn MGM Osaka resort
Orix sees sustained demand and recurring cash potential in MGM Osaka, which MGM Resorts reports remains within schedule and budget.
7 SepDeals & M&A
Orix cites long-term demand for JPY1.51tn MGM Osaka project
Orix’s assessment gives investors its expectations for sustained demand and steady cash flows from MGM Osaka.
4 SepDeals & M&A
JCM plans iVIZION 2 bill validator launch for casinos
JCM’s planned iVIZION 2 aims to give casino operators faster note processing, improved counterfeit identification and more transaction data.
3 SepLicences & markets
Asia Pioneer Entertainment adds Japan to supplier licensing plans
Asia Pioneer Entertainment is pursuing supplier approvals in Japan, the UAE and Singapore, expecting a UAE decision in late 2026.
August 2026
28 AugLicences & markets
Sasebo Chamber of Commerce revives Nagasaki casino proposal
The chamber’s renewed efforts aim to make construction of the proposed Nagasaki casino feasible.
24 AugLicences & markets
Sasebo chamber plans request to revive Nagasaki casino-resort bid
Sasebo’s chamber plans to seek an improved Nagasaki casino resort bid, renewing efforts to develop the project.
July 2026
31 JulRegulation
Japan considers geoblocking online casino platforms
The review could lead to access restrictions on online casino platforms.
22 JulRegulation
Japan keeps casino website blocking under consideration
Website blocking remains a policy option rather than an adopted recommendation.
Recent developments
Licences
- Yokohama looks likely to forgo Japan’s 2027 casino licence applications
Investors face Yokohama’s likely absence from Japan’s 2027 licensing process, with no mayoral candidate supporting a casino project.
- Universal Entertainment plans overseas gaming equipment return through Nevada company
Universal Entertainment intends its overseas gaming equipment return to add revenue alongside amusement equipment and integrated resorts.
- Hokkaido business groups urge governor to advance casino resort preparations
The requested preparations would support a potential Hokkaido casino resort bid requiring a private-sector partner and national approval.
Deals
- MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School on training course
The partnership establishes a training route ahead of MGM Osaka’s planned opening.
- MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School on certified gaming talent course
The partnership aims to develop gaming talent through a certified course for the MGM Osaka project.
- Orix outlines investment rationale for JPY1.51tn MGM Osaka resort
Orix sees sustained demand and recurring cash potential in MGM Osaka, which MGM Resorts reports remains within schedule and budget.
Regulatory calendar
Deadlines, consultations, tenders and rule changes stated in our sources. Global calendar
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