New casino studies in Japan

The Komeito party will hold an independent assessment on integrated resort developments.

Japan.- Casino development is delayed until a comprehensive legislation regulating the industry takes effect. Several discussions among Japanese authorities have impeded a soon resolution to begin the licensing process. Now the ruling Komeito party, which is not in favour of the casino industry, announced an independent assessment about the IR Implementation Bill.

Komeito party will evaluate the draft, which would be introduced to the Diet next autumn session. The coalition established this week a project team that will be in charge of the assessment. Kiyohiko Toyama, head of the team, is considered as the most open member of the party as to casino development.

However, Komeito party has been targeted as the main obstacle to approve gaming legislation, as AGBrief reported. The project team will coordinate a party opinion in favour of casinos and could ask for modifications to the IR Implementation Bill. Komeito proposals could add stricter conditions for gaming operations.

Meanwhile, the international advisory firm focused on the gaming industry, Union Gaming, has been assessing the Japanese casino development since legislators took into account national debates on the issue. For the second time in one month, the firm has shared a study on the industry by one of its analysts, Grant Govertsen, who concluded that the government is planning a strict control on casinos.