Japan’s much debated casino resort bill has been approved by the government which paves the way for integrated gaming resorts to open in the early 2020’s.
Shinzo Abe’s government hopes to have the bill finally passed in the current parliamentary session which runs to June 20 this year.
"We will promote tourism with visitors from all over the world spending days (at the casino resorts), while taking complete measures to address various concerns including gambling addiction," Abe said.
An initial law was passed in 2016 which allowed for gambling only in integrated resorts that include hotels and event facilities.
Due to concerns of gambling addiction and other antisocial elements, strict rules will apply for Japanese nationals.
They will be limited to visits of no more than three times a week and 10 times in a month and will be charged a 6,000 yen ($55) entrance fee.
It will be free for foreign visitors.
Strict licensing rules will apply for operators keen to establish a casino resort with extensive due diligence and background checks to ensure no links to organised crime.
All the major US based casino operators are keen to place their bets on Japan as the next big gaming destination.
Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock and MGM Resorts are among the major players which have expressed interest, although Japan will only issue permits for three casino resorts initially.
