" Osaka's first casino raises crime and addiction worries."

Kabir903

"Japanese Officials Approve Plans for the Country's First Casino, Set to Open in Osaka by 2029. The project, which includes a casino, has sparked controversy. Gambling has long been illegal in Japan, but in 2018, the country passed a law to allow games like poker and baccarat, aiming to create more job opportunities and boost tourism. However, public opinion in Japan remains divided, with concerns about increased crime and gambling addiction.

Reportedly, the 49-hectare integrated facility will also feature hotels, a convention center, shopping mall, and a museum. 'We hope this resort (casino) will become a tourism hub showcasing Japan's charm to the world,' said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The initial investment for the project is 18 billion yen, with U.S. casino operator MGM and Japanese conglomerate Orix each holding 40% of the shares.

The remaining 20% will be owned by local companies, including West Japan Railway, Kansai Electric Power, and Osaka-based Panasonic. Officials anticipate the resort will attract around 20 million visitors annually, generating approximately 1 trillion yen in annual economic benefits for the region. The project was proposed years ago but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a corruption scandal involving a ruling party lawmaker who was accused of receiving bribes while responsible for shaping casino policy.

Japan is seen as a promising gambling market, being the world's third-largest economy with a population of approximately 126 million. Additionally, Nagasaki Prefecture has submitted a similar plan to build a casino in the local Huis Ten Bosch theme park."

Kahn332

Overall, while Japan's casino industry is still in its early stages, with the opening and development of this casino, it has the potential to become a significant gambling market, bringing substantial economic and tax revenue. However, it is also important to be mindful of the negative impacts such as gambling addiction.

Kalkin995

Opening a casino also demonstrates the incompetence of the government.

Indra55

In fact, Japan has a lot of gambling elements with various claw machines, gachapon machines, different card-based gacha games, and various lucky bags, so having more casinos might not make much of a difference.

Jiten171

Japan is also developing its gambling market, it seems that every country needs to have a gambling industry.

Kahn332

Osaka is also going to open a casino; it should help boost the economy.

Nimmi373

Japan had been strictly against the gambling industry until now; it's surprising to see the opening of the first casino.