Japanese casinos to help problem gamblers

Japanese government has confirmed that it is considering measures that would see the countries new casinos contribute a portion of their revenue to assist efforts to stop problem gambling in the country.

Japanese legislators are currently drafting the regulatory legislation necessary to govern the countries newly legalised casino industry, with the collection of casino revenue to fund responsible gambling activities being included as a part of this legal framework.

The money will be directed towards central and local governments and will be used to fund problem gambling treatment/prevention, welfare and cultural initiatives throughout Japan.

Distribution of funds and oversight matters will fall under the remit of a specially assembled committee, which will function as an entity of the Japanese Cabinet office.

Officials have said that casinos which violate this revenue distribution arrangement and other regulations under the new framework will face tough financial penalties, with multiple violators being stripped of the casino licences.

Some of the casino industries biggest players have been competing for licences to operate the first integrated resorts following the Japanese Diet’s decision to legalise casinos in December 2016, with Hard Rock international among several operators bidding for a piece of a $20bn pie.

The second piece of casino legislation, which will formally set out the Japanese casino regulatory framework will be introduced during a special session of the Diet later this year.