The Japanese government has recently suspended its plans to legalise casino gambling across the country. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated that there does not seem to be enough government support for the plan, and it is unlikely that the law will be passed before the end of the year. Originally, lawmaker hoped to rush the bill and ensure that it passed before the end of the current parliamentary session in November.
However, the plan has been revised and the vote will not take place until next year – and, even that is not a guarantee. The bill will remain on the table, but there are more important bills that will need attention in 2015, such as national defence laws. Prime Minister Abe has spent the past few months promoting the economic benefits of legalising casino gambling in Japan.
The plan was to introduce casinos in time for the upcoming Olympic Games in order to cash in on tourism revenue, but he has struggled to obtain support from other politicians. One of the major issues seems to be problem gambling. Even though casino gambling is not legal in Japan, the country presents some of the highest problem gambling rates in the world. Pachinko parlours are popular entertainment venues in Japan.
Although they do not offer actual gambling, players can still win cash and prizes. Problem gambling is a growing issue in the country, and it seems that politicians are wary that casinos will only increase gambling addiction rates. This certainly puts James Packers’ plans in jeopardy. The Australian casino mogul has spent the year networking with Japanese politicians to get Crown Casinos a preference place in the country’s gambling market.
He pledged millions of dollars to the cultural development of Japan, but he may not get a return on his investment.
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