Japan Approves New Scheme to Stem Problems Related to Gambling

As part of a plan to stem problems related to gambling, Japan is going to launch a scheme which limits people’s access to casinos and other betting establishments as well as removing cash machines from these locations. The move comes ahead of the opening of several casinos in the country.

As  per the plan, prefectures in the country will also formulate their own rules to counter any gambling-related problems.

“We will create a healthy society by thoroughly implementing measures based on the basic plan in order to prevent people from finding themselves in difficult situations,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

Under the basic plan, operators of slot machines, pachinko parlours and government-operated gambling venues, including horse racing and keirin racing tracks, have been asked to remove cash machines from their facilities. Pachinko parlour operators are urged not to allow customers to enter their premises if requested by family members. The authorities also urged horse racetrack operators to utilise facial recognition systems to restrict the entry of gambling addicts.

Other measures in place include a proposal on putting up warnings about gambling addiction on newspapers, magazines, and TV commercials. It also urges the country’s 47 prefectures and 20 major cities to set up treatment facilities for gambling addicts by 2020.