Police agency rejects plan for casino district

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003 | 11:21 a.m.

TOKYO -- The National Police Agency has rejected a proposed casino district under a government plan to set up special deregulation zones nationwide as part of efforts to reinvigorate the economy, the government said last week.

Various municipalities proposed creating casinos under a second round of applications that closed Jan. 15 for establishing deregulation zones, the Kyodo news service reported.

As in the case of the first round in August, the police agency turned it down, saying "roulette and other games with cash betting are subject to gambling prohibited under the criminal law," according to comments and reactions by related ministries and agencies over the second round proposals.

The Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications refrained from making any clear-cut comments, merely saying there is a "need for sufficient public discussions" over the proposed casino districts.

The Justice Ministry noted that it is ready to discuss the issue should related ministries and agencies draft legislation to lift the ban on casinos.

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