IR regulation still far from solved in Japan

Several regulatory topics are still being debated by the Japanese government ahead of the casino industry’s arrival in the country.

Japan.- The casino industry is set to land in Japan sometime in the near future but there still several topics to address before it can be implemented. During a Monday meeting of an advisory panel to the government on the matter, experts said there are at least seven key regulatory topics to be solved before the industry arrives in the archipelago.

As reported by GGRAsia, topics discussed included anti-money laundering regulation and the formulation of a criminal code for casino business. The group, composed of experts from different economic and social sectors, is advising the Office of Integrated Resort Regime Promotion and met after six months of inactivity.

The panel also discussed what content should IRs host once they open. “Core facilities” such as convention and exhibition space were debated during the meeting; attractions with a Japanese theme; and their role in stimulating tourism to surrounding areas – referred to in Japan as the “tourism gateway” effect.

In addition, experts discussed what exceptions might be made to a general ban on advertising of casino services in places other than the casino floor; how to formulate and enforce a system for banning certain people from casinos; and what were termed “technological specifics” not covered under the other discussion headings, the media outlet reported.