The Japanese lawmakers have been facing troubles in terms of casino legalization. Last Friday saw an unexpectedly shortened debate on the proposed Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill, complemented by a fierce committee session and even a short fight in Parliament, at a time when the country is on the verge of passing a law that could end up with the establishment of the second largest casino market in the world.
In spite of all efforts of opposition parties to stop the progress of the proposed measure, the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill is set for a full vote in the lower chamber of the Japanese Parliament on June 19th.
Considering the fact that the ruling coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito has supported the bill, the proposed piece of legislation will probably be given the green light. In addition, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has demonstrated his strong support for the bill, too, which is why the deadline of the ongoing parliamentary session will probably be extended.
The debate scheduled on June 19th will come as the culmination of Prime Minister Abe’s and other casino gambling supporter’s efforts to finally open the local casino market. Although the ban on casino gambling in Japan was officially lifted in 2016, the country has been lacking an adequate piece of legislation to legalize the services and set out some rules under which Japanese casino venues are to operate.
Japanese Government Addresses Increased Public Concerns
The proposed Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill is to finally set the legislative and regulatory framework of casino gambling in the country. In addition, the proposed bill comes as an attempt by the ruling party and its partner to address the widespread concerns over increasing gambling addiction and other issues related to gambling-related harm.
The Government of Japan approved the above-mentioned bill at the end of April, despite the increased public concern that opening the country’s casino market would end up with a significant boost in gambling participation and gambling addiction among local citizens. Still, the Government decided to impose certain restrictions in order to address the concerns.
The ruling coalition agreed that a total of three operating casino licenses are to be awarded, with this meaning that three integrated casino resorts are set to be established in the country. In addition, local residents will be permitted to enter a casino no more than three times per week and ten times on a monthly basis, with a casino entry fee worth ¥6,000 set for Japanese gamblers. Foreign visitors will owe no entry fee.
Apart from that, a new problem gambling measure was rolled out in Japan in mid-May. The ruling coalition plus the nominal opposition party Nippon Ishin no Kai unveiled a new bill to the Lower House, with the proposed piece of legislation being especially focused on dealing with gambling addiction.
- Author
Daniel Williams
