More than half of Japanese oppose casino legalization plan

Japan‘s citizens remain broadly opposed to lifting a ban on casino gambling, according to a new survey released on the day the country’s politicians plan to hold a vote on casino legislation.

According to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey conducted over the weekend, 57% of respondents oppose plans to relax the constitutional ban on casino gambling, while just 34% are in favor. While still a sizable majority, the ‘no’ side reported even higher opposition (63%) in a similar survey in October 2014, while just 24% were in favor.

Male respondents were evenly split on the merits of casinos, while 65% of women stood opposed compared to just 24% in favor. Older respondents were also less likely to favor casinos, while 50% of respondents who support the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) were opposed compared with 44% in favor.

The survey comes the same day that the LDP is pushing for a plenary session vote in the House of Representatives on the so-called Integrated Resorts Promotion (IR) bill. A House Cabinet committee approved the IR bill on Friday after the conservative Komeito party, the LDP’s coalition partner, opted not to take a stance pro or con on the bill.