Casino Law In Japan

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Legislation making legal casino gambling in Japan came officially into effect on Monday (December 26), reported the Kyodo news agency. The measure – referred to by its supporters prior to its enactment as the Integrated Resorts Promotion Bill – got the final approval from the country’s parliament, a body known as the Diet, on December 14. Japan is part of the latter, despite the best efforts of international casino behemoths, and has stubbornly refused to change the laws regarding online gambling. Below, we will explore the realities of online casino gaming in Japan and how the law regarding the issue is set up. Most forms of gambling in Japan are generally banned by the Criminal Code chapter 23; however, there are several exceptions, including betting on horse racing and certain motor sports.

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Japanese gambling fans have reasons to celebrate. Regulations for casino resorts in Japan have been officially approved by the country’s Prime Minister. There is finally a legal framework for these casinos to begin operating.

It’s extremely exciting news for the gaming industry here. The Japanese government has been extremely thorough in its legal guidelines, and have finally approved a legitimate set of plans. Let’s take a quick look at the specifics of these regulations and the future of casino gambling inside Japan.

Roadmap to Casino Resorts in Japan

The primary reason to introduce casinos in Japan is to bring in more tourism and revenue. This country has been extremely strict on all forms of gambling in the past, yet the potential for massive revenue earnings through gambling has changed the government’s stance. A bill passed in 2018 laid out the framework for casinos to begin operating here.

In anticipation of legalized casinos, Japan began implementing some new laws. They called for facial recognition inside pachinko parlors and called for the removal of ATM machines inside all gaming establishments. The government wants to ensure gambling addiction does not become an issue in the country.

This week, the government officially approved the regulations for casino resorts in Japan. It’s a huge development. So what exactly are the requirements for casinos here?

Japanese Casinos Facing Strict Regulations

There are going to be some strict laws for casino resorts in this country. First off, these casinos will need to be at least 100,000 square meters. The area for the actual casino must be no more than 3% of the entire resort.

One of the biggest regulations for casino resorts in Japan surrounds advertising. All forms of casino marketing can only take place inside international arrival areas at travel hubs.

Casino law in japan 2019

One regulation is impacting gamblers here. Casinos in the country are required to report to the government anyone who makes transactions over more than $9,080. There is also an overall limit on how much can be spent inside casinos.

Casino law in japan

With regulations now in place, a company can now be chosen to operate the first casino. Some of the most powerful gaming companies in the world are vying for their spot in this market. One company, in particular, is pushing very hard.

MGM Resorts Could Operate First Casino in Japan

The heads of MGM Resorts are making it clear they want to get into Japan. Not long ago, this company was given sponsorship for the MLB’s opening series taking place in Tokyo. It was a clear sign that MGM was making headway in the country.

Jim Murren, CEO of MGM Resorts, has stated he wants the first casino in Japan to be constructed inside Osaka. The tourism industry here is extremely strong, and lawmakers in the city are showing an interest in casino plans. Businesses in this city are also pushing for a casino.

Casino Law In Japan 2019

Murren claims that the Japanese government will grant its first casino license next year. The first casino will begin operating here by 2025. Despite the long timeframe, it’s a very exciting time for gambling fans inside and near Japan.

Do you think the regulations for casino resorts in Japan make sense? Will MGM Resorts be the first company to operate a casino here? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Online casinos are fun, according to gamblers, and there may be some truth to that statement. Considering that the iGaming scene has seen nothing but growth over the last two decades, it is difficult not to agree. The industry has found its place among most developed nations and has even expanded to other markets to satisfy rising demand. But while certain countries have accepted online gambling with open arms – and the mouthwatering tax revenue that comes with it – others are not so inclined and have resisted the temptation of spinning virtual reels. Japan is part of the latter, despite the best efforts of international casino behemoths, and has stubbornly refused to change the laws regarding online gambling. Below, we will explore the realities of online casino gaming in Japan and how the law regarding the issue is set up.

Key Pieces of Legislation

Those who have any experience with Japanese gambling laws will understand quite clearly that the government of the country is not at all fond of games of chance. Up until recently, casino gaming was banned entirely, regardless if it was in physical form or on the Internet. Recently, Japanese lawmakers have come to the consensus that some casino gaming is appropriate, but only in select and approved locations called Integrated Resorts. Moreover, the authorities have deemed that a grand total of three Integrated Resorts are enough for a country of over 120 million people. So in short, there can only be three land-based casinos under the current laws.

Japan

So what does this mean for online casinos? It shows that Japan is only testing the waters with land-based establishments and that online venues are a long way off. According to tozaicasino.com under the current laws, no company or individual may set up and operate any gambling operation. No casino gambling may take place outside the above-mentioned locations. As a side note, none of the Integrated Resorts has an actual location just yet.

Casino Law In Japan Vs

Of course, since Japan cannot block all online casinos, residents will have access to their fair share of gambling websites. Whether playing at one is legal or not is not clearly defined. There have been instances of people being punished and some evading any sort of blowback. So far, there has not been a definitive measure to apply the law in this regard, which leaves players in a murky position, at best.


Casino Law In Japan

One interesting aspect of these laws is that customers cannot be held liable for debts to unlicensed gambling operations. Such debts are non-enforceable, to the delight of certain players. On the flip side, if a debtor pays off what they owe, they cannot later turn to the government to recover the sum in question. Of course, charges can be brought on the individual for illegal gambling, but as we covered above, it is not an exact science.

Casino Law In Japan 2020

Future of Online Casinos in Japan

Clearly, the Japanese government has no warm sentiment towards gambling in general, let alone online casino gaming. In the present state, customers are left with practically no legal way to enjoy playing Mahjong or slots in their free time. Even if online casino gaming were to be legalized in the next few years, we have no way to make an educated guess how it would look like. The institution that will regulate the future Integrated Resorts has not yet been established and no detailed rulebook has been drafted. So we can only speculate how an online gambling scene could develop in the country.

Casino Law In Japan Today

One thing is certain though, if it were to be made legal, casino operators would be looking to claim a piece of the market in a heartbeat. Estimations place a possible Japanese gambling industry among the top in the world, given the country’s population and wealth. Whether online gambling becomes a reality in Japan is still up in the air, however. Judging by the pace of the current progression, it could take years if not decades until a proper online gambling industry is established in Japan if it happens at all. We can only wait and see.

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