Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet has approved new regulations for gambling resorts.

Casinos were legalised in 2016 in Japan and another bill was passed in 2018 which would begin the legalisation of integrated resorts.

Originally, Japan was hopeful of having its first casino open for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but since then plans have been pushed back.

The regulations approved specify the size of establishments and include several new specific requirements, ensuring tangible progress for Japan’s integrated resort plans.

The Prime Minister said: “[By opening casinos] Japan will seek to become an advanced country for tourism.”

MGM Resorts International has expressed its desire to run one of, if not the, first gambling resorts to open in Japan.

On Monday, MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren said there is a real urgency within the Osaka government to have a casino resort developed as soon as possible.

He said: “We’ve made a decision to focus all of our energy on Osaka. We believe Osaka is going to be the first integrated resort location. The government is very excited about it.”