Sanae Takaichi made history by becoming Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister, but could she be about to usher in a new wave of momentum for integrated resorts and land-based casinos?
Fuelled by economic challenges and a gap in the Asian market following the downfall of Thailand’s much-maligned integrated resorts bill, Japan’s new PM has a fresh impetus to deliver an economic uplift in the country through the introduction of integrated resorts.
Whilst achieving victory, she didn’t gain a significant majority and that could well impact her leverage to succeed with major bills progressing, as the country seeks stability with its fourth leader in five years.
Takaichi spearheaded the 2013 campaign for integrated resorts and land-based gambling venues and her premiership could well indicate the expansion of the number of licensed casino venues in Japan.
Nonetheless, she has called for a tightening of the framework around iGaming. Yet, the climate is very different now and the threat of the black market has grown significantly. A right-leaning prime minister who has a heightened focus on growing the economy may well be lured by the potential boost of online casinos.
With MGM Osaka set to open its doors in 2030, there was a sliver of optimism that Japan could be the next Asian market to embrace iGaming. However, those hopes were diminished when the country took a hard line on tackling online gambling adverts earlier this year.
The measures were introduced in a bid to tackle particular concerns surrounding the prevalence of young people taking part in online gaming.
According to a National Police Agency (NPA) report, approximately 60% of Japan’s 3.37 million iGaming users are in their 20s and 30s.
Despite being illegal, the Japanese government estimates that ¥1.24tn (£6.2bn) is wagered each year via online gaming platforms. Alongside the bans, national and local governments will also be required to raise awareness about the illegality of online gambling.
iGaming Expert Analysis: Whilst it would require a significant political shift, upon the opening of the MGM in Osaka, there is a chance that the route of regulation could be explored to thwart black market engagement within Japan.
The impact of the country’s far-reaching marketing ban will first be examined, but should it be ineffective, Takaichi is the type of politician who will take action and won’t hesitate to explore other avenues to achieve political goals.
