MGM CEO reports Asia project milestones during Nevada Gaming Commission session | Yogonet International
Summary
William Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, updated the Nevada Gaming Commission on the company’s progress in Macao and Japan. He said MGM is breaking ground on a $12 billion-plus Osaka integrated resort that is expected to employ about 12,000 people and could be among the world’s largest casinos. Hornbuckle described Macao as ‘‘booming’’ post‑COVID, with MGM taking a sizeable share of recovery demand.
During the hearing — his first appearance before the commission in nearly 15 years following a Nevada Gaming Control Board recommendation — Hornbuckle outlined MGM’s strong luxury demand, expanding digital operations and an unusually heavy convention calendar for Las Vegas through 2025. He also highlighted MGM’s unique position as the only casino licencee in Japan and flagged the company’s involvement in a $1 billion-plus children’s hospital project in Las Vegas with Intermountain Health and UNLV.
Key Points
- Osaka integrated resort is a $12bn+ development, expected to create around 12,000 jobs and be one of the world’s largest casinos.
- Macao operations are recovering strongly post‑COVID; MGM says it is capturing significant market share.
- MGM will be the only casino licencee in Japan, presenting a major strategic opportunity amid rising prices in Japan.
- Nevada Gaming Commission discussed and moved forward with updated executive licences and suitability findings for Hornbuckle after a Nevada Gaming Control Board recommendation.
- Luxury segments are performing well for MGM; value-focused customers remain under pressure.
- Las Vegas has a record convention pipeline for the coming months, supporting hotel and event activity through 2025.
- Hornbuckle and his wife are backing fundraising for a planned $1bn+ children’s hospital in Las Vegas, in partnership with Intermountain Health and UNLV.
Why should I read this?
Quick and blunt: this is big news for the global gaming industry. MGM’s Osaka project is massive — jobs, capex and licence exclusivity in Japan could reshape regional competition and investor expectations. If you track casino development, regulatory moves or Las Vegas tourism and conventions, this saves you time — here’s the essentials so you can decide whether to dig into the details.