Japan Looks to Curb $200 Billion Spent on Pachinko Gambling
- Lawmakers concerned about addiction before casinos introduced
- Considering Singapore-like restrictions on visiting venues
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As Japan prepares for its first Las Vegas-style casino resorts, the government is considering restrictions on existing gambling establishments, including pachinko parlors and race tracks, in a bid to tackle addiction.
The legalization of casinos in December divided Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Buddhist-backed coalition partner Komeito amid concerns about compulsive gambling. Both ruling parties have prepared reports calling for research into dependency and consideration of regulation, including on casinos.