Osaka maps out unique IR policies

The prefecture and city governments of Osaka hosted their own IR Promotion Council on Monday, in which local government officials and experts discussed policies, including how entry to the casino at the prospective Yumeshima IR would be handled.

Osaka’s IR Promotion Council, launched in late March, is chaired by Hiroshi Mizohata, head of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau. This was the fourth meeting of the body.

There was agreement that the Yumeshima IR should be extensive in scope, including a wide variety of facilities aimed at attracting and entertaining all levels of society.

In terms of the casino, however, tight measures are to be enforced. Identification policies will be strict and various kinds biometrics employed in operations. For example, one focus will be on utilizing high-technology tools to identify player behaviors associated with problem gambling.

While the Yumeshima IR will naturally be subject to the same regulatory regime as all others in Japan, the local government is compiling its own “Osaka Model” which may include unique policies and incentives.

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