Japan moves to legalise casino gambling

Japan’s parliament has today (Thursday) approved a new law to legalise casino gambling the country. The casino bill, backed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, sets out plans for large-scale integrated resorts (IRs) that will combine casinos with hotel, shopping and conference facilities. The final approval comes despite a last-minute effort by opposition lawmakers to pass a no-confidence motion against leading supporter Abe, although the Associated Press news agency reported that the law was passed in the early hours of today. However, despite legalising such activities, casinos are not expected to open in Japan until 2022 at the earliest, with further legislation required for regulation, tax rates and social considerations such as gambling addiction. Proposed IR sites have already been identified on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, as well as in the cities of Sasebo, Yokohama and Hokkaido. Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Wynn Resorts are amongst the casino operators said to be considering opening facilities in the country. Although casinos were previously illegal in Japan, punters in the country are able to bet on horse, boat and bicycle races through government-backed bookmakers. Related article: Parliamentary panel approves Japan casino bill