According to Osaka mayor Hirofumi Yoshimura hosting a casino in Osaka could help the metropolis on Japan’s east coast to gain rights to run a Formula One Grand Prix motor race. The official indicated that hosting such a race could be part of a wider plan to boost overseas tourism to Osaka, Japan’s third city in terms of population.
A keystone of the overall approach was other infrastructure, including high-quality roads, that would be likely to be developed as part of Osaka’s successful bid, confirmed in November, to host the World Expo 2025.
The artificial island of Yumeshima will be used to host the World Expo. The same area has also been identified by the city authorities as the likely venue for a casino resort, should the national government approve the latter.
In late November, Japanese brokerage Nomura said it expected Osaka’s success in being selected for World Expo 2025 would pave the way for a casino resort in the Japanese city, largely because the event will require infrastructure that can later be utilized to support a large-scale gaming facility.
“If we can attract investment from the world, we’ll be able to achieve things we currently can’t realise in Japan. Racing on a street circuit might be achievable at Yumeshima,” said Mr Yoshimura.
It was also reported earlier this month that Osaka was looking for circa US$8.5 billion in capital investment from any casino project.
