Osaka group lodges problem gambling bill to boost Japan IR chances

In a bid to move Japan’s casino policies forward, members of the opposition party have come up with a new legislation that will deal with problem gamblers in the country.

The Osaka-centric Nippon Ishin no Kai party is hoping that a cooperation with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will boost the city’s chances of being picked for one of the casino resort licenses, the Japan Times reported.

“The Nippon Ishin bill sets out a variety of measures to deal with problem gamblers to ensure that the problem is dealt with in a comprehensive manner,” said Nippon Ishin policy chief Hitoshi Asada, according to the news outlet.

Nippon Ishin’s bill, submitted to the Upper House in early February, targets “problem gamblers and their families.” In it, the opposition party “identified the need for policies to deal with crime, suicide, poverty, debts and other problems that occur as a result of problem gambling,” noting the need for the creation of a basic program “that will be subject to revision at least once every five years.” The bill is also seeking a set of rules for casino advertising and admission charges.