Japan reveals ‘basic plan’ to combat local gambling problems

There are still many questions that need to be addressed before Japan reveals the winners of its first integrated resort (IR) licenses. To answer one, the country has revealed details of a “basic plan” that will add protections against gambling problems at pachinko parlors.

Kyodo News reports Japan’s cabinet has approved a plan that will remove cash withdrawal machines from pachinko parlors and government run gambling venues, including horse and keirin cycle tracks. The thinking is likely that if customers have a hard time getting their cash out, they’ll be less likely to play.

On top of that, the plan calls for research into how underage and problem gamblers can be kept out of the establishments through an identification check system. To avoid future problem gamblers, there will also be mandated warnings about addiction in advertising, and restrictions on the size of online bets.

Finally, the plan asks the country’s 47 prefectures and 20 major cities to set up consultation and treatment hubs. They will also be asked to coordinate with private organizations that combat gambling addiction.