Japan casinos fight back

Potential casino operators in Japan rejected a new regulation that would limit gaming services.

Japan.- Legislators are close to approve a final draft to implement casino regulation in Japan. However, the proposal generated rejection among potential casino operators as it includes several conditions and limitations for the gaming industry. The Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would receive the project this week.

“The current plans risk missing the mark on achieving public policy objectives,” commented a representative from a foreign casino company to the Review Journal. “It’s serious enough to halve the maximum investment we’re willing to make.”

Last Monday, Japanese legislators debated on a proposal that would limit residents’ participation in local casinos. As the project was passed, the Prime Minister expects to receive the bill this week in order to set a final resolution. Casino development could only start once the government approves a comprehensive gaming regulation establishing the licensing and operating conditions.

The local newspaper stated that international companies have begun lobbying campaigns to reduce regulating limits. Casino industry could be jeopardised if legislators decide to prohibit gaming services to residents. Furthermore, the bill includes a limit of 15,000-square-meters (about 160,000 square feet) for casino floors.

“There’s a need to balance the promotion of (full-scale) resorts with caution and listening to the public’s views,” revealed an unknown source to international news agency, Reuters, as reported by Review Journal.