The government’s draft proposals for the integrated resorts (IR) implementing law stipulating regulations for casino operation, such as entrance fees and so forth, were finalized on Feb. 28. There was no proposal on the number of IRs to be set up in the country, and this key issue will be left to discussions by the ruling parties. While the plan is to submit the draft bill to the Diet in March, IR proponents, who are keen on the economic effects, and those reluctant to introduce IRs are at odds even in the ruling parties.
Government proposals on casinos
|
Government proposals |
Reaction |
|
Gaming zones Limited to the smaller of “15,000 square meters” or “the larger of 3% of the total floor space of IR facilities or the total IR land area” |
Opposed by Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui and others |
|
Number of visits Up to 3 times during a 7-day period, and up to 10 times during a 28-day period |
Criticized by LDP members and others for being “too strict” |
|
Entrance fee 2,000 yen |
Komeito and others say this is too low |
|
Casino tax Two proposals: flat 30% rate; 30% for income of less than 150 billion yen and 50% for income over 150 billion yen |
Casino operators voice concern |
|
Number of IRs No proposal |
Lauded by LDP members for being “flexible” |
(Abridged)
