Japan: nine games to be permitted at casinos

Nine casino games will be permitted by Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission as part of the government’s IR development plans.

Japan.- Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission has published draft regulations allowing nine casino games to be offered inside the country’s future land-based casinos.

The draft regulations allow 21 variants of nine games that are currently banned in Japan.

The games to be permitted are baccarat (2 types), blackjack (4 types), poker (8 types), roulette, Sic Bo, craps, Casino War, money wheel and pai gow, as well as electronic games.

Feedback will be taken on draft regulations until May 9, after which the final casino regulations will be decided.

The proposed regulations would also oblige casino operators to ban users suspected of addiction for at least one year and to make operators available for anyone wanting to discuss gambling addiction.

Current state of Japanese IR developments

Yokohama: The City Council has recently confirmed its budget for the 2021 financial year, including JPY360m (US$3.4m) for the city’s planned integrated resort.

Nagasaki: Nagasaki’s prefectural government has announced a rule which prevents potential private partners from holding a 5 per cent stake in any bid in other locations.

Osaka has announced the extension of its submission period for integrated resort proposals until April 6, with final proposals due in July.