Prefectures seek casinos

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 | 10:03 a.m.

TOKYO -- Five prefectural governments delivered a petition to the central government today calling for legal amendments to lift a ban on establishing casinos, the Kyodo News Service reported.

Osaka Gov. Fusae Ota and senior officials of Tokyo, Shizuoka, Wakayama and Miyazaki handed the petition to Yoshitada Konoike, state minister in charge of crisis prevention and special deregulation zones.

The five prefectures will also hold an inaugural meeting later in the day of a joint working-level study group on the economic effects of casinos and the legal framework needed to operate them.

A number of prefectural and municipal governments have applied for creating casino districts under a central government program to set up special deregulation zones nationwide as part of efforts to reinvigorate the economy.

The National Police Agency has rejected the proposal, arguing cash betting is a form of gambling prohibited under the Criminal Code. But the Justice Ministry has expressed its readiness to discuss the issue should related ministries and agencies draft legislation to lift the ban on casinos.

Last October the Tokyo metropolitan government held an event inviting lawmakers and industry officials to experience casino games. It has also announced estimated economic effects of 220 billion yen and the creation of 14,000 jobs if a Las Vegas-style casino district combining hotels, movie theaters and other facilities is established.