In this wide-ranging conversation, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle offers a candid look at how one of the world’s leading entertainment and hospitality companies is positioning itself for the future. We discuss MGM’s digital evolution, its expanding global footprint, and how leadership evaluates ambitious and complicated long-term opportunities such as the company’s $12 billion project in Japan.
CEO Hornbuckle also shares his perspective on MGM’s relationship with both IAC and Barry Diller, the reasoning behind stepping back from the broader New York casino process. We discussed his thoughts on Macau, the regulatory considerations across key markets, and how MGM decides which projects are worth chasing—and which ones to walk away from.
Key Topics Covered
iGaming & the Future of Online Sports Betting
How MGM views the long-term importance of iGaming and online sports wagering, the evolving regulatory landscape, and how digital platforms fit into the company’s broader strategy.
Why MGM Stepped Back from the New York Casino Process
The strategic, regulatory, and economic factors behind MGM’s decision not to pursue the larger New York casino licensing effort.
The Role of IAC & Barry Diller
How the partnership originated, what IAC contributes, and how it has influenced MGM’s broader digital and strategic roadmap.
Macau & Japan: Global Perspective
MGM’s long-term view on Macau’s regulatory environment and the complexities of developing a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort in Osaka.
Risk, Regulation & Strategic Decision-Making
How MGM weighs regulatory, geopolitical, and market-based risks across regions when deciding where—and how—to invest.
