Japan: gambling addiction covered by public health insurance

Decision forms part of the government’s Addiction Strategy Promotion Basic Plan.

Japan.- IThe Japanses government has announced the public health insurance will be extended to cover gaming addition.

The news comes as the country moves forward with plans to issue three integrated resort licences to prefectures and cities.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s revision of medical fees decided that treatment will be covered by public health insurance.

Authorities conducted a survey in 2017 which revealed an increase in the number of people suffering from problem gambling, especially with pachinko. Cases rose from 2,019 to 3,499 in 2017.

Problem gaming is a type of mental illness and generally refers to a condition in which gambling interferes with daily activities or a person’s social life.

The decision to cover gambling addiction under public health insurance forms part of the government’s Addiction Strategy Promotion Basic Plan. It also makes provisions for establishing treatment facilities in all prefectures and designated cities starting in the next fiscal year.