As the Japan government prepares to legalize online gambling across the country, some interesting new results have been revealed which may complicate the issue. According to new research, there are 5 million adults in Japan who are addicted to gambling. According to a research team at the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, 5% of the adult population of Japan is addicted to gambling.

The research shows that 4.38 million men and 980,000 women exhibit compulsive gambling tendencies. In total, this is 5.36 million people in Japan, 4.8% of the adult population. Around the world, the average is about 1% but Japan’s statistics are significantly higher. This is the first time that such statistics have come to light in the country, and it has served up quite a shock to residents.

These statistics have been released at a crucial time in Japan. The government is currently considering legalising casino gambling in time for the 2020 Olympics, and the fact that 5% of adults are addicted to gambling may hinder this project. Currently, there are no casinos in the country and gambling is prohibited. The only form of gambling that is permitted is Pachinko, which is only allowed to due clever loopholes.

So, if 5% of adults are addicted while casino gambling remains illegal, there are concerns that this number will skyrocket when the first Japanese casino opens its doors. The researchers have suggested that the government should immediately take action by working to develop effective treatment options for addicted gamblers.

They have also said that legislators should possibly reconsider their plans to open up new casino resorts across Japan. This will certainly affect the business plan of James Packer, an Australian gambling mogul who has set his sights on opening up a casino in Japan.

He has offered up millions of dollars to help with local cultural development in order to show his interest in the market, but it may all be for nought if the Japanese government decides not to take the risk and legalise casino gambling.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.