In a speech to the plenary on the first day of the ordinary legislative session for 2018, Abe said the move, that seeks to create a regulatory framework for Japan’s future casinos, would advance Japan as a “tourism-oriented” country. The government plans on start reviewing the IR implementation bill soon, as it requires approval from the cabinet before heading to the Parliament.
Experts comment that before the IRIB receives approval, the Parliament will need to discuss over an anti-gambling measure known as the “Basic Bill on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures”. The IRIB also includes an amendment that is set to lower the adulthood age in the country from 20 to 18.
The path towards a legally established gaming industry in Japan seems to become clearer, after several difficulties brought by Abe’s decision of calling a strategic snap election in October. The governing coalition’s victory was the best news that gaming supporters could have expected as it gave Abe a super-majority in both upper and lower houses.
Observers and commentators believe IRIB measure is on track to pass the Diet in the 2018 legislative session ending in June 20. At latest it could be approved a so-called “extraordinary” session in the fall, which would still mean Japanese territory could see its first gambling facilities rising in 2024.
Source: GMB / Innovative Gaming
