MGM’s Big Bets: Bill Hornbuckle on Las Vegas, Japan, and Digital Expansion

Episode OverviewIn 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.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 CoverediGaming & the Future of Online Sports Betting  A discussion of 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 strategyWhy MGM Stepped Back from the New York Casino ProcessA clear discussion of 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 DillerHow the partnership originated, what IAC contributes, and how it has influenced MGM’s broader digital and strategic roadmap.Macau & Japan: Global PerspectiveMGM’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-MakingHow MGM weighs regulatory, geopolitical, and market-based risks across regions when deciding where—and how—to invest.Featured Offer from Boyar ResearchTake advantage of Boyar's Research’s flagship annual report featuring 40 catalyst-driven stock ideas for the year ahead.Every company included has been deeply analyzed in a full-length Boyar Research report — the same research trusted by some of the world’s leading hedge funds, family offices, and institutional investors.Learn more or pre-order here: boyarresearch.com/2026Offer expires December 15.About William J. HornbuckleWilliam (Bill) J. Hornbuckle is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), a global entertainment company featuring iconic hotels and casinos, meeting and conference spaces, live and theatrical entertainment experiences and an array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings across the globe. MGM Resorts’ portfolio includes some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry, such as Bellagio, MGM Grand, ARIA, Mandalay Bay and Borgata.As CEO, Mr. Hornbuckle oversees all aspects of MGM Resorts’ strategy, operations and hospitality and gaming development projects. He leads the company’s global development efforts and its digital gaming strategy. He also successfully steered the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming numerous challenges including the closure of operations, tightly restricted re-openings and new health and safety measures. Mr. Hornbuckle led the strategy and execution of the company’s sale of MGM Growth Properties to Vici Properties and the acquisition of the remaining share of CityCenter and of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.The Boyar Value Group: Uncovering Investment Opportunities Since 1975Founded in 1975, The Boyar Value Group has spent more than five decades seeking to uncover undervalued opportunities in the stock market.Through Boyar Research, we provide in-depth, independent research focused on businesses we believe are misunderstood, underfollowed, or trading at a meaningful discount to intrinsic value.Our investment management business applies that same research-driven discipline to manage portfolios for both institutions and individuals, utilizing our private equity approach to stock market investing.To learn more about The Boyar Value Group, please visit www.boyarvaluegroup.com.Never miss another Boyar podcast, market insight, or other valuable content — subscribe to our Substack at boyarresearch.substack.com.