The construction of an integrated resort (IC) with a casino in Osaka has been approved by the Japanese government on April 14, Kyodo News reports.
Under current laws, gambling is prohibited in Japan, with the exception of state lotteries and special pachinko machines, and betting on horse racing. However, in 2018 a law was passed that allows the construction of no more than three integrated resorts in the country.
As it turned out, the deputy who promoted the idea of building such a complex was arrested for taking a bribe. Despite this, preparations for the construction of the facilities continued.
Also read: Kyodo: the Japanese government will approve the opening of a casino against the laws
Now, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told reporters that the Osaka casino should become a tourist base that will create the necessary global image for the country. At the same time, he called on ministers to take action to combat gambling.
idea “a catalyst for tourism and the economic development of Japan as a whole” promoted by the Osaka Prefectural Government in a statement on the construction of the IC. The complex is expected to attract some 20 million visitors a year, bringing the region to 1.14 trillion yen (700 billion rubles) in annual revenue.
Japan’s second integrated resort was envisioned in Nagasaki. However, the local authorities have not yet been able to agree on the mode of construction of the facility. At the same time, the governor of Kengo Oishi Prefecture told the reporter that his plan also has “good odds”.
Both prefectures submitted their construction plans to the central government in 2022. Subsequently, the plans went to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for an initial evaluation.
Out of a maximum of 1,000 points, the Osaka project received 657.9 points. 600 are needed for government approval. However, the commission called for continued monitoring of the plan, as it remained concerned about potential subsidence and soil contamination.
The investors in the project are the American MGM Resorts International and the Japanese Orix Corp. They own 40% of the shares of the operator of the project.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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