Sanae Takaichi made history by becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister. Could she become the driving force behind a new wave of development for integrated resorts and land-based casinos?
Amid economic challenges and a gap left in the Asian market following the collapse of Thailand’s integrated resorts bill, Japan’s new Prime Minister now has an incentive to boost the country’s economy through the introduction of integrated resorts.
However, Takaichi did not secure a significant majority, which may limit her ability to advance major legislation. Moreover, the country is seeking stability – she is Japan’s fourth leader in the past five years.
Takaichi led the 2013 campaign in favor of integrated resorts and land-based gambling establishments, and her victory could signal an expansion in the number of licensed casinos in Japan.
Nevertheless, she has called for stricter regulation of online gaming. Yet the situation today is very different: the black market has grown substantially. A right-leaning prime minister focused on economic growth may well be tempted by the potential economic boost that online gaming could bring.
The planned opening of MGM Osaka in 2030 has raised hopes that Japan could become the next Asian market to embrace online gaming. However, those expectations have faded since the country took a tough stance on advertising in this sector earlier this year. These measures were introduced in response to growing concerns about the prevalence of online gaming among young people.
According to a report by the National Police Agency (NPA), about 60% of Japan’s 3.37 million online gaming users are between the ages of 20 and 30.
Although online gaming remains illegal, the government estimates that around ¥1.24 trillion (£6.2 billion) is wagered annually via online platforms in the country. In addition to restrictions, both national and local authorities are now required to conduct campaigns raising awareness about the illegality of online gaming.
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