A group of Japanese politicians are to introduce a new gaming bill that would open the door to resort-style casinos in the country.
Following the devastating earthquake that struck Japan in March, lawmakers have been seeking ways to generate additional revenue to meet spiralling reconstruction costs. Resort casinos, similar to those in Singapore (pictured), have been suggested as a possible solution. Despite intense lobbying from gaming groups in the past, all plans to legalise casinos have been blocked.
In December last year, research revealed that a majority of Japanese citizens, many of whom had visited casinos abroad, were in favour of legalising them locally. It is understood that the major political parties are also broadly in favour of passing new gambling regulations.
Now, a group of 150 politicians is planning to introduce the bill during the next Diet session in January, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Plans to legalise casinos had been gaining momentum earlier in the year but with the election in August of new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, the issue was pushed down the list of priorities for the new government.
It is widely estimated that a legal casino gaming market in Japan could be among the strongest in Asia, generating in excess of $40bn annually. Unsurprisingly, major international operators, such as Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International and Macau’s Melco Crown Entertainment, are understood to be watching developments in Japan closely.
