Law lifts ban on casinos in Japan

JAPAN on Friday enacted a controversial law to allow casinos that the government says will boost tourism and growth but was bitterly opposed by the opposition.

In a last-ditch attempt to delay the vote on the bill in the upper house, opposition lawmakers called a confidence vote on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet, despite the premier being guaranteed an easy win by his large parliamentary majority.

Japan’s government has long touted the drive for mega “integrated resorts” (IRs) that will include casinos, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotel and conference halls, on the Las Vegas model.

It argues the casinos will bring in tourist and business spending, like other regional gambling destinations in Singapore and Macau, and provide a shot in the arm for a stagnant economy.

But legislation has been controversial, including among activists concerned about Japan’s already well-documented problem with gambling addiction.

The law enacted Friday allows the construction of three IR facilities, and comes after the more powerful lower house approved the same bill in June.

Economists estimate the casino industry could bring in takings of 2.0-3.7 trillion yen ($18 billion to $34 billion) a year.

National and regional governments plan a combined tax of 30 percent on gaming revenues.