Tokyo governor in favor of casino

Tuesday 9th of August 2016

Recently elected Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike has reportedly said she supports opening a casino in the nation’s capital.

According to an interview with NHK, Ms Koike said she supported a draft legislation to legalize casinos in certain areas of the country, which is being prepared by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

In case the legislative proposal advances, the metropolitan government "will need to take measures against casino-related problems, such as gambling addiction," she said.

She added that a casino project would “make the city more attractive” adding that Tokyo needed to attract “more visitors from overseas”.

In late July, Union Gaming analysts said that gaming legislation in Japan has become more likely due to a change in the political landscape.

In a note from the brokerage, as Abe’s LDP now holds outright majority in both houses of the legislature, this means the party can now push through legislation without the help of any other political party.

According to the brokerage, two large licenses will be issued with one going to metro Tokyo and one for Osaka. It is also possible that smaller licenses could be issued at some later date, they added.

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