Casino Games Might Be Legalised in Japan

Japan is certainly at the forefront in many areas, particularly technology and its economy (Japan has the third largest economy in the world). However, up until now gambling has been illegal in the country. Visitors to the fascinating country might soon be able to enjoy Japan in a completely new light if a particular group of lawmakers end up having their way.

Japan's economy is only eclipsed by China and the USA - two countries with booming casino industries raking in billions upon billions of dollars every year. If gambling was made fully legal in Japan, it is very possible that a city like Tokyo might make a name for itself like Las Vegas or Macau. The only way it is currently possible to bet money legally in Japan is by playing Panchinko, which is a pin-ball like game which awards prizes. However, casino games like roulette and blackjack are not legal and this has created a gap in the market.

It has been estimated that Japan's casino market could be worth $10 billion initially, which is pretty impressive even compared to the USA's yearly figure of $37 billion, considering how much smaller Japan is than the US, both in terms of surface area and population. Japan lawmakers plan to introduce the proposal toward the end of 2013, but a little opposition is anticipated due to fears of problems like gambling addiction. Only time will tell how it will all turn out, but two of the world's largest casino firms (Las Vegas Sands and Genting Group) have already expressed their interest in doing business with the country.