Global casino operator MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corp are the two main partners in the consortium developing the MGM Osaka project (pictured in a rendering). The plan published on Friday by the prefectural authorities confirmed that MGM Resorts’ equity commitment for MGM Osaka has increased to JPY428 billion, up from a prior JPY306-billion pledge. MGM Osaka is expected to feature 1,829 hotel rooms and 10 villas, according to the latest plan. A ground-breaking ceremony for MGM Osaka – Japan’s first casino resort – was held in April this year. In late April, Jonathan Halkyard, MGM Resorts’ chief financial officer, had flagged the higher equity commitment for MGM Osaka.