It’s no secret that Osaka is a key battleground for casino operators in Japan. With around 8.8 million people living in the region, it is the country’s third most populated prefecture. It is also rumored to be one of the top three locations on the short list of cities that could play host to an integrated casino resort. As casino operators vie for position and attempt to stand out above the rest, many are putting everything on the line to try to capture attention.

Last month, during Osaka’s July summer festival, Melco sponsored a massive fireworks show. Not to be outdone, MGM brought in the Blue Man Group and also hosted a boat party.

Melco and MGM are competing against a number of other operators to try and win the coveted license. Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Genting Group, Caesars Entertainment and Galaxy Entertainment are also on the list as possible candidates once lawmakers begin the licensing process. Since May of last year, executives from 11 different casino companies have met with Osaka’s governor, Ichiro Matsui, 119 times.

Melco sweetened the pot by donating around $450,000 to a fund established for the victims of the major earthquake this past June. Ako Shiraogawa, who heads Melco’s Japan office, tried to downplay the donation, stating, “It looks like we are doing too much. But it just happened to be the same day as the festival.”