Eighteen months ago a spokesman for the Japanese MP heading the ruling Liberal Democrat Party’s subcommittee on casino entertainment was quoted as saying that the idea is to build huge entertainment complexes to give tourists and business people something to do, apart from seeing all the usual historical and cultural sites. At the time it was hoped to table a bill to legalise casinos within that current parliamentary session.

Months down the line a bill proposing legislation for legal casinos in Japan is once again being described as ready for submission at an ‘early date’ by the LDP panel on casinos. The government is to seek support from its coalition partner New Komeito and the top opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan. Back in June 2006 a soft approach to casino legislation was being advocated, with a few casinos being given a trial period to assess possible problems.

In the latest development the LDP panel intends to call for the establishment of an independent watchdog with strong investigative powers to monitor casinos. This body would check backgrounds of investors, operators and employees, as well as oversee the industry and certify casino equipment. Under the LDP plans, casinos would be set up by municipalities and run by private companies. (E-01.02.08)

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