The government aims to submit a bill on the implementation of integrated resorts (IR), including casinos, to the extraordinary session of the Diet this autumn. With this, interest is rising among local governments looking to attract casinos. In a public opinion poll conducted by Jiji Press, however, 66.8% of pollees said that they would not want to have an IR set up near their home while only 22.8% of respondents were in favor of having integrated resorts nearby.
The poll was conducted over the four-day period of July 7–10 through individual interviews. For the survey, a total of 2,000 people were sampled from among men and women, aged 18 and over, across the nation. The valid response rate was 65.1%.
When asked for their views on IRs, including casino facilities, being built in the municipality where they live or in areas near their homes, 22.8% of all respondents said they are in favor while 66.8% said they are opposed and 10.4% said they do not know. More women than men are opposed to having integrated resorts in their area. Of female respondents, 74.7% are opposed to having IRs nearby while 14.3% are in favor. Of male respondents, 58.9% oppose having casino resorts near their homes, while 31.4% welcome them.
The breakdown of reasons for opposition (multiple answers allowed) were as follows: “security will deteriorate,” 68.2%; “it will have a negative effect on young people,” 57.5%; “gambling addiction will increase,” 55.7%: “the IRs will be used for crime,” 39.4%; “there will be more noise and traffic,” 33.8%: “it will be a source of funds for antisocial forces,” 32.9%; and “it will not lead to the revitalization of the region,” 17.1%.
As for reasons for approval (multiple answers allowed), the results were as follows: “more tourists will visit the area,” 55.2%; “tax revenues will increase,” 52.5%; “it will lead to the revitalization of the region,” 50.2%; “it will create jobs,” 41.8%; “infrastructure will be improved,” 19.5%; and “there will be more opportunities for entertainment,” 15.8%.
The survey also asked respondents whether they would like to go to a casino if they are set up in Japan. Those negative about going to a casino exceeded those interested in going, 76.6% to 19.6%.
