Legalizing casinos in Japan and backgrounds to them.

Japan is prohibited by law from gambling, except public gambling such as bicycle racing, horse racing. Such is Japan, but finally in 2016, an IR law was enacted to promote the development of integrated resorts, including casinos. In line with this, a casino is expected to open in Osaka around 2030.

Leading gambling nations

Although not well known, Japan is one of the world's leading gambling nations. According to an old 2014 survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the prevalence of gambling addiction was 8.7% for men, 1.8% for women, and 4.8% overall (5.36 million people). The United States has 0.42%, the United Kingdom 0.50% and Hong Kong 2.20%.

Of course, the state is aware of this fact. That is probably why Japanese citizens will have to pay an entrance fee to enter the casino facilities that will be built in Japan in the future, and a maximum number of times per month will be set.

Pachinko's legal standing

Next, I would like to discuss the complexity of Japanese law. Pachinko, which accounts for the majority of gambling in Japan, takes advantage of a loophole in the law. Under the law, gambling is not considered gambling if "something is done for temporary amusement. Pachinko parlors use premium as compensation, a business practice that does not involve the direct payment of money.

This complex balance of gambling and law had no small impact on the legalization of casinos. However, the IR law is already in effect.

I think the legalization of casinos in Japan is for the benefit of foreign countries; the IR law was originally intended for the Tokyo Olympics, but the COVID epidemic prevented that from happening.

I hope that measures to deal with addicts should be taken first. In fact, treatment for gambling addiction has been covered by insurance since April 2020. Japan may finally be starting to confront the drug of gambling.