Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has backed plans to set limits on the amount of times residents can visit casinos.
The casino implementation bill, also backed by the LDP’s coalition partner Komeito, would limit residents to three casino visits per week and ten per month.
The Japan Times reported on Tuesday that the restriction is to be implemented through the use of the integrated circuit chip inside government-issued My Number identity cards.
The bill is also looking to add an entry fee on casinos, with Japan appearing to follow the lead of Singapore – where admission is $72 per visit. Initially the LDP backed a $19 admission fee while Komeito wanted it set at $75, with reports suggesting the parties have reached a compromise figure of $48.
The government has also suggested a gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax either fixed at 30% of GGR or on a sliding scale in the range of 30% to 50%.
The LDP has argued for such a tax to be be fixed, but lower than 30% of GGR; Komeito has reportedly not nominated a percentage, but agrees with the principle of a sliding scale.
The fine-print of the bill is still currently being negotiated, and it will be submitted between now and 20th June.
