The first casino approved in Japan is to be built in Osaka. This is an attempt to draw in tourists after being one of the few countries to have legalised casinos this late due to the parliament. It was only in 2018 that the government enacted a law that allowed the construction of integrated resorts (IRs).
The efforts of the local governments of Osaka and Nagasaki have come to fruition as they aim to have the IR built and ready by 2029. Despite the several years that it has taken Japan to start building casinos in the country, there are known critiques that highlight their already bad gambling problem.
Concerning the fact that many Japanese people are concerned about addiction and crime, the country’s 126 million rich residents and closeness to Asia’s wealthy gamblers make Japan a desirable market for casino owners.
The resort will cost more than 1 trillion yen, or around 7.5 billion dollars, to construct in Osaka Bay on a man-made island. From this, the government predicts a huge boost to economic growth at an annual 1.14 trillion yen with about 15,000 jobs created within the IR. Osaka officials also expect a whopping 20 million annual visitors to try out different games in the establishment such as slots, pachinko, mines casino game, and more.
Japan and gambling
As mentioned, it took a while for Japan to come to the point of having a casino built within their lands. The country has a long and complex history of gambling. Although it has been around for centuries in the country, it was limited to horse racing, bicycle racing, and other types of motorboat racing.
One of the most popular arcade-style games in the country is Pachinko. The game involves launching metal balls into a vertical playing field. Contrary to conventional gambling, players in online casinos get gifts like toys or tokens that may be redeemed for cash at off-site venues.
It was only in 2016 that the Japanese government considered the potential for income from casinos. During this year, legislation was passed paving the way to make the industry legal. Japan legalised casino gambling in 2018, with plans to develop several integrated resorts including casinos, hotels, and other entertainment venues.
Due to worries about gambling, organised crime, and public safety, these ideas have not yet been put into action. The complicated and diverse social views about gambling in Japan are a reflection of the nation’s blend of traditional values and modern influences. While some consider it a harmless kind of entertainment, others see it as a catalyst for moral decay and societal unrest.
Japan’s gambling regulations
Overall, Japan’s relationship with gambling reflects the tension between tradition and modernization, as well as the competing interests of government, industry, and society. Despite these differences, Japan will be seeing its first IR built by 2029. Here, players will be able to enjoy different casino games and favourite such as pachinko, mines casino game, slots, and more.