Published: April 5, 2021

Japan’s draft casino regulations list nine games to be permitted

Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission has listed nine casino games that will be permitted to operate inside the nation’s casinos, with traditional Japanese games such as pachinko, pachislot and mahjong all notable exclusions.

The nine games, contained within the Casino Regulatory Commission’s draft regulations published Friday, include 21 variants of games currently banned in Japan but set to be legalized as part of the government’s IR development plans.

The nine games are listed as baccarat (2 types), blackjack (4 types), poker (8 types), roulette, Sic Bo, craps, Casino War, money wheel and pai gow. Electronic games are also permitted.

Public feedback on the draft regulations will be accepted until 9 May, after which time final casino regulations will be decided.

The regulations also call for prior background checks on all major stakeholders and executives of casino and IR operators to ensure “social credibility”. This will include detailed investigations into criminal and financial records, as well as whether there are any links to organized crime.

As a measure against problem gambling, casino operators will be expected to ban users suspected of addiction for at least one year and later limit the number of casino visits they are allowed to make each month. Operators will be required to establish a consultation desk for anyone wanting to discuss gambling addiction.

It is also stipulated that the current time must be on display to all guests on the casino floor, while ATMs will be forbidden. In relation to casino comps and incentive programs, the draft states, “Nothing that could potentially arouse the passion for gambling may be included,” although there are no specific details provided.

https://www.asgam.com/index.php/2021/04/05/japans-draft-casino-regulations-list-nine-games-to-be-permitted/

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