Japanese legislators approved the Integrated Resorts Promotion billin December, despite the efforts of opposition political parties and public opinion polls reflecting concerns that relaxing the country’s ban on casino gambling will exacerbate problem gambling behavior.
Despite minimal legal gambling options,government studies show an estimated 5% of Japan’s adult population struggles with some form of gambling addiction. As a result, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to create a basic law detailing methods gambling operators can employ to reduce problem gambling behavior.
According to the Japan Times, the new legislation will offer guidelines for municipal governments and gambling operators – including the country’s ubiquitous pachinko halls – such as allowing families to apply for bans on their relatives patronizing gambling venues, similar to programs available in Singapore. The measures could also include new restrictions on online horse betting, one of the few forms of wagering currently allowed in the country.
Source: GMB / Calvinayre.com
