Japan parties seek casino prohibition

Four Japanese political parties have introduced a bill that aims for a casino ban in the country.

Japan.- Although the casino industry has been legalised in Japan, the market has not been developed yet, as both operators and regulators are waiting for the final approval of the controversial IR Promotion Act. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Japan Communist Party, the Liberal Party, and the Social Democratic Party have introduced another bill to stop the process.

Without the final approval of the bill regulating the license process for upcoming casinos in Japan and further operation of the highly-expected gaming industry, companies are not able to present their proposals and obtain the permissions to start the constructions. The Japanese Congress has been delaying the debates related to the issue, which has frozen every determination to develop the market.

Now, the industry is further threatened by a new bill, introduced by the four Japanese political parties, which would nullify the IR Promotion Act. Akira Kasai, the policy chief of the Japan Communist Party, commented after the joint submission on Wednesday; “We must stop the casinos now, before they actually inflict any damage. Together we will gather all of our strength and work as one to abolish the casino law.”

However, experts consider the measure would not be approved and would not generate any impact in the legal system, as “the political right, especially the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, currently dominates the National Diet and the majority of local assemblies” and are the major supporters of casino industry.