Japan lists nine casino games for future casinos

Nine casino games have been permitted to operate inside Japan’s three future casinos.

Inside Asian Gaming reports that Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission has approved nine games, with traditional Japanese favourites such as pachinko, pachislot and mahjong notable exclusions.

The nine games within the draft regulations, published last Friday, include 21 variants of games currently banned in Japan, but set to be legalised as part of the government’s integrated resort plans.

The nine games are two types of baccarat, four types of blackjack, eight types of poker, Sic Bo, craps, Casino War, money wheel and pai gow, plus electronic games.

Public feedback on the draft regulations will be accepted until May 9, after which time final casino regulations will be decided.

The regulations also call for prior background checks on all major stakeholders and executives of casino and integrated resort operators to ensure “social credibility”.

This will include detailed investigations into criminal and financial records, as well as whether there are any links to organised crime.

As a measure against problem gambling, casino operators will be expected to ban users suspected of addiction for at least one year and later limit the number of casino visits they are allowed to make each month.

Operators will be required to establish a consultation desk for anyone wanting to discuss gambling addiction.

It is also stipulated that the current time must be on display to all guests on the casino floor, while ATMs will be forbidden.

In relation to casino comps and incentive programs, the draft states, “Nothing that could potentially arouse the passion for gambling may be included,” although there are no specific details provided.