A broad coalition of ruling and opposition parties is seeking to submit legislation to the Diet that would lift the ban on casinos in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Aware of the direction the political winds are blowing, several municipalities around the country have launched campaigns to attract casinos to their areas, hoping for an economic boost.
Casinos are currently prohibited by the Penal Code. A new law would provide the legal foundation for casinos that are part of "integrated resorts," which also include hotels, commercial facilities, and other functions.
If passed, the nation's first casinos could open before the 2020 Olympics, which supporters say would bring a variety of positive economic effects, including promoting investment and increasing tourism.
Source: NewsOnJapan
