Japan’s pro gambling lobby is preparing to resubmit its failed bill to legalise gambling in ‘integrated resorts’ by the end of the month. Pro casino law makers are targeting approval or progress for the bill by the end of 2015.
Legalised gambling has been promoted cautiously by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as part of Japan’s future economic growth program. To date the casino bill has been met with mixed reactions from Japanese politicians, economic bodies and cultural and tourism stakeholders.
A group of Pro casino lobbyists stated that they would submit the amended bill by next Tuesday, the last day of the government’s fiscal year. The proposed bill will allow regional provinces to open themselves to gambling on licensed casino complexes (integrated resorts). The provinces will be allowed to tender internationally for its casino provisions and services.
A number of international gambling operators have complained about the lack of progress and detail with regards to Japan allowing for casinos complexes. Operators such as MGM resorts and Las Vegas Sands Corp have shown interest in Japanese gambling projects.
In 2014 international gambling operators suffered a performance decline set by Chinese government’s efforts to curve corruption which impacted the performance of gambling hub Macau. International casino operators are said to be exploring other Asian regions in which to expand and attract high level casino clients outside of Macau