Japan lawmakers open to compromise on casino limits

Japanese lawmakers supporting a bill to legalize casinos have agreed to debate setting limits on locals entering the resorts after pressure from opponents threatening to block the legislation on concern over issues such as gambling addiction, local media reports.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's attempt to legalize casinos appears dependent on convincing lawmakers in the parliament, or Diet, that the problems of gambling can be curbed.
A debate over the legislation is expected in the coming weeks. Passage of the bill would create the world’s third-biggest gambling mrket.
But members of Abe's Buddhist-backed junior coalition partner, Komeito, raised concerns over the laws. A Komeito lawmaker said members were continuing to discuss the legislation.
Pro-casino parliamentary members are seeking initial approval of two or three sites, as well as setting conditions, such as entry fees for Japanese nationals.
Recent reports suggested some lawmakers are pushing for an outright ban, which is expected to kill the market for foreign investors.
Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson has repeated warnings the company would not be interested to invest in casinos "in Japan or any other country on a foreigners-only basis."
It is uncertain whether the bill will be voted on in the Diet before the current session ends on Nov 30.
A second bill is due to be drafted next year if the current legislation passes by year-end, to finalize details of the law.
Prime Minister Abe has said it is his goal to have the casinos legalized in time for the 2020 Olympic Games. But any lack of support from key minority parties will lead to delays.