Japanese Diet expected to pass casino bill
A bill authorising the opening of casinos in Japan is set to be approved by parliament.
According to GGRAsia, the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill overcame its penultimate hurdle, after it was passed by the Committee on Cabinet in the House of Councillors, the upper chamber for Japan’s parliament.
A vote on the bill was expected to be held by the House of Councillors today (Friday), but it is as yet unclear if a vote was held.
Opposition lawmakers made an effort to repeal the ban on casinos by submitting a no-confidence motion against the House of Councillors President Chuichi Date on Thursday, but this was turned down.
If the bill passes, the bill will pave the way for the development of casino venues, which will be used as part of the country’s plan to build integrated resorts.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government has been pushing for a lifting of the casino ban for some time, arguing it will boost Japan’s economy with the arrival of new tourists.
The government will collect 30% of revenue as tax and share the money with the city hosting the integrated resort.
If the government passes the legislation, casinos are likely to open in the mid-2020s.
In a survey conducted by Kyodo News last month, 70% of those surveyed said that they did not want a so-called integrated casino.
Under the new bill, people living in Japan will be charged a 6,000 yen ($53) entrance fee, while foreign guests can enter free of charge.
In an effort to protect vulnerable gamblers and ease fears of addiction, the bill will prevent local residents from entering casinos three times a week and 10 times per month.
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