As Japan moves closer to signing new legislation that permits the development of casino resorts in the country, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is seeking partnerships with foreign casino operators.



The operator of Osaka's 13-year-old Universal Studios Japan is understood to be talks with MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Genting for a possible partnership to run a casino resort in what remains one of the world's largest untapped gaming markets.

"We have operational capacity, experience know-how, and I don't think we would be stretched to participate in more than one [casino]," chief executive officer Glenn Gumpel said.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to pass a law to legalise casinos during the Diet session starting this autumn, as part of plans to boost tourism ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Universal's intentions mark an interesting division between the group and rival operator, The Walt Disney Company.



In December 2013, Disney, the world's largest media enterprise, announced it was bringing an end to licensing deals in the slot machines, online gaming and lottery tickets sectors.

The group said it would phase out its Star Wars and Marvel slot machines in the US, in line with its family-friendly policies.