Japanese pro-casino lawmakers confirmed on Thursday that they will make another push for the proposed legalization of casino gambling in the country during the Diet’s extraordinary session, which is set to be closed in November. A bill that will amend existing gaming laws has been submitted to the government several times since November 2013, when it was first introduced, but has never been considered by legislators in a comprehensive enough manner.
If approved, the proposed legislation will put a start to a multi-phase process for the eventual construction of two integrated casino resorts in Japan. The Promotional Integrated Resorts Bill’s potential passage will be followed by the introduction of a second bill, with that one intended to create an effective enough regulatory framework for the operation of the casino venues that may open doors in the country.
As mentioned above, the proposal’s sponsors have been trying to catch the Diet’s attention for almost three years now. However, more pressing legislative matters and staunch opposition from the Komeito party, a long-standing coalition partner to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, have prevented the bill from any further consideration by Japan’s top officials.
However, people with knowledge of the matter believe that the proposed legislation now has greater chances for being adopted into law than ever. Last month, Toshihiro Nikai, known to be among the casino bill’s supporters, was appointed as Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party. According to many, that appointment bodes well for the casino bill.
The Komeito party will likely continue opposing staunchly the legalization of casino gambling. Party members have pointed out numerous times that risks of social ills that are often associated with the provision of gambling options is where their staunch opposition arises from. However, according to pro-casino lawmakers, Komeito could eventually be persuaded. It seems that there were party members who expressed support for the casino bill. If a free vote on the proposal is allowed by Komeito leaders, the bill may eventually get the necessary majority in the Diet.
The integrated resort model is one particularly favored in the Asia-Pacific region due to the fact that it combines accommodation, gambling and non-gambling entertainment, and convention facilities into a single complex. Under the Promotional Integrated Resorts Bill, two such resorts will open doors in Japan. Lawmakers hoped that they would be launched in or prior to 2020, when the country will play host to the Summer Olympics. However, the multiple failures for the bill to get voted on have slimmed significantly the chances for Japan to see its first casino resort open doors before 2020 or even 2023.
