On Thursday, the Japanese government made an announcement in regards to helping fight gambling addiction. According to the statements, Japan wants Gambling Venues to use Facial Recognition Software to restrict the admission of gambling addicts. For the moment, the government plans to ask gambling venues like pachinko parlor and racetrack operators to start using it.
However, this is part of the plan to open casinos in a bill that was approved in July of 2018. Thus, before the three resort casinos can open in Japan, they must first combat gambling addictions. According to Japanese officials, facial recognition software can help identify gambling addicts. Thus, it would help casinos, racetracks and pachinko parlors from restricting their gambling habits.
Dealing with Gambling Addiction in Japan
Furthermore, the plan also includes the removal of automated teller machines from gambling venues. At the moment, the government is only asking them to implement facial recognition software but will officially adopt it next month.
Gambling addiction is a worldwide problem that Japan intends on limiting as much as possible. Part of the draft plan includes creating a system that will enable addicts to set maximum betting limits. Thus, by 2020 they hope to have a system that would set limits when they bet on sports and races.
Furthermore, the ministry will be conducting surveys next year to get more information on gambling addiction. This will include the relationship between gambling addiction and debts, poverty, abuse, suicide rate and crime. In addition, the National Policy Agency will be working more on shutting down illegal gambling.
Once this is done, the Japanese government will proceed on the approval of three casino resorts. In addition, each of these casinos will be in three different strategic locations. According to the casino bill, Japanese will only be able to visit casino three times per week or 10 times per month. Furthermore, Japanese will have to pay a 6,000 yen fee to enter one of these casinos.