Japan will, most likely within the next year, begin to decide on the first three locations for an integrated resort (IR) in the country, as well as who will manage those operations. One of the casino operators that has been high on the candidate list is Melco Resorts and it even started hiring employees late last year in preparation of being accepted. Now, the company’s chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, has upped the stakes, asserting that he, along with Melco’s headquarters, will relocate to Japan if the company is chosen.

Melco is currently headquartered in Hong Kong and Ho has hinted at a possible move to Japan in the past. However, during a Japan Gaming Congress presentation in Tokyo last Thursday, he reasserted his decision and “officially” made it public. He stated, “If we win a license to develop an integrated resort, I will personally move to Japan, my executive team will move to Japan and our head office will move to Japan.”

Melco has already allowed the world to sneak a peek at what it has in store should the company be chosen to operate an IR in Osaka. The venue, which is still being conceptualized, would be centered around a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) space that is “not just big but offering extraordinary experiences,” according to Melco VP, Design (Japan) Pim Robberechts.

The property would span over 121 acres and would be located on Yumeshima Island in Osaka. It would include one of the largest gardens ever constructed in Japan, six hotels with about 1,000 keys each, a water-themed amusement park, gambling facilities and other attractions.