The ruling coalition parties in Japan, The Liberal Democrat Party (LDP) and the Komeito Party (KP), both support the introduction of a plan with strict limits for residents entering gambling establishments. They agreed upon three visits per week and a maximum of 10 visits per month during discussions in parliament prior to the establishment of legislation which will allow the opening of casinos.
Strict regulations have been heavily favoured by almost all the parties in Japan who fear that the country, which already suffers from an estimated 3.2 million problem gamblers according to a recent government survey, would have any pre-existing problems exacerbated by the introduction of easy accessible casinos.
Therefore strict regulations will be agreed upon in any government bill. These proposed measures will focus on Japanese residents and include entrance fees and spending limits.
Differences still exist between the LDP and the KP who are unable to agree on a final figure for resident entry fees and the number of casinos which will be permitted to operate in the country.
Both parties favour costly entrance fees with the LDP suggesting ¥5,000 ($48) and KP pushing for ¥8,000 ($75). However, foreigners would be exempt from fees as one of the main aims of the casino developments will be to increase tourism in an attempt to bolster the economy.
All issues are currently still being discussed in government, which is currently amending a bill which it is yet to put into legislation.
