Osaka aims at more open casino policies

Restriction to upcoming Japanese casinos has caused opposition among local officials.

Japan.- The debate on new gambling amendments to control the casino development in the recently-approved Japanese market keeps generating controversy. Now the Governor of Osaka, Ichiro Matsui has pronounced his concern about the strict restrictions to residents’ participation in gaming activities.

Last week, the local press published a new proposal to register residents’ visits to casinos in order to ban them if authorities consider that there is a risk of problem gambling. Japanese players would also be asked to present their “My Number” identity card every time they enter a gaming venue under the latest bill.

“My Number cards are not yet in common use. If everyone possessed these cards, I’d say it’s fine. Isn’t it strange to require something for entry that is not yet common?,” responded Ichiro Matsui during a press conference held last Wednesday. The official commented that those measures could be too restrictive, according to Asia Gaming Brief.

Matsui also added that legislators should debate on problem gambling policies as there are already a lot of cases in Japan, although the government keeps a double standard regarding the problem. Furthermore, the Osaka leader said the city’s plan is to open a modern casino and touristic facility by 2023 or 2024.