The decision is an attempt to fight gambling addiction within the native population. 

Gambling advertisements will be allowed in the immigration and customs areas for travellers at international airports and seaport terminals only. This is expected to be implemented in March.

Tourist information centres, railways and buses will not be allowed any kind of gambling advertisements, as they are seen by millions of Japanese people on a daily basis.

The government’s IR Promotion Council has been looking at ways to prevent problem gambling ever since the IR Promotion Act was passed in July 2018.

IR properties are to be visited by people from Japan and abroad, of which some will be children, so the government want restrictions in place to help Japan maintain a strong, healthy gaming environment.