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Travel & Leisure

Japan approves first casino, hoping to create new tourism stream

Osaka integrated resort to open in 2029 and compete with others in Asia

An aerial view of Osaka Bay shows Yumeshima Island before the start of Expo 2025 construction. After the expo, the man-made islet will eventually host a casino. (Photo by Kento Awashima)

TOKYO -- The Japanese government approved its first casino on Friday, taking a step toward developing a new source of tourism. The casino will focus on attracting foreign visitors and also domestic tourists as other Asian casinos struggle to recover from a drop in Chinese visitors after the pandemic.

The integrated resort, which will include a casino, conference center, exhibition hall, hotel and theater, could open its doors as early as the fall of 2029.

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