Japan discusses addition of poker at casino floors

Poker lobbyists have pointed out that the game’s global popularity could help Japan’s integrated resorts boost both gambling and non-gambling activity.

Late last month, a specially assembled committee of experts released what was considered to be a preliminary outline of the regulations under which the country’s casino industry would be managed. Among other things, the outline contained recommendations on the type of gaming options to be allowed at gambling premises. Under that plan, games would be limited only to ones whose outcome depends on chance. Thus, gaming options such as baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, all very popular among Asian gambling customers, will be featured at Japan’s casino floors.

If the recommendations are followed strictly by the government, games that involve a certain level of skill would be strictly prohibited. The experts committee has also proposed a ban on betting on sports at the integrated resorts and on games that are played between customers themselves as these would be difficult to be monitored and controlled by casinos.

Given poker’s nature, the game would be prohibited at Japan’s casinos, if the proposed rules are implemented. However, it has emerged in local media that there are members of the committee that have been lobbying for the addition of poker to the list of allowed games. Proponents of the idea have pointed out that it can attract multiple customers from around the world to the integrated resorts, including non-gambling ones.

The Japanese Diet will have to approve a second casino bill, after it gave the nod to a first piece of legislation last December. That second bill will set out the principles under which the country’s industry will be regulated. The legislative piece is currently being crafted and is expected to be presented to the Diet this fall.