Casinos 'could be legalised in Japan'
2nd January, 2008
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to propose legislation to legalise casinos in the country under strict supervision, according to reports in the Jiji Press.
It claims that there are calls for an independent watchdog to be established which would control the gaming industry in Japan and help to prevent crime in casinos.
Those working for the proposed organisation would be given power to investigate casino business license applications, as well as conduct on-site inspections and monitor workers.
Although casinos are currently illegal in the Asian nation, a number of hubs including Tokyo have show interest in the possibility of introducing them in recent years.
If the plans were to be given the green light, the watchdog would be funded solely through revenue made by casino operators and not through taxes.
Nearby Taiwan is also said to be considering legalising casinos – following in the footsteps of a number of other Asian areas such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau.
