Will Japan’s casino plan create big business for yakuza?
A possible black market in IDs is just one possible consequence of the government’s casino plan, which critics argue is risky
The Japanese government has outlined a scheme by which it intends to prevent excessive gambling becoming a social problem after the country’s first casinos open for business, although critics say it will be relatively easy to circumvent the safeguards.
They also warn that Japan’s organised crime groups are looking on with increasing interest as legislation makes its way through the Diet to allow casinos to operate as part of larger “integrated resorts” that bring together hotels, convention centres, shops and other entertainment complexes.
The government’s proposal calls for Japanese nationals and permanent foreign residents to be limited to entering a casino to three times in any seven consecutive days or 10 times in any 28 days.
To keep track of the number of visits a person makes, the government has proposed that anyone entering a casino would need to present their My Number identity card. The My Number system is still being rolled out by the government and effectively acts as a repository of information on citizens and foreign residents, with the 12-digit identification number providing details on the holder’s tax, medical insurance, pension payment history and other details.
Critically for the government’s casinos plan, it acts as proof of the bearer’s age and a function can be introduced to flag an individual who is trying to enter a casino more than the allowed number of times.
