A Nagasaki citizens’ group that opposes the prefecture’s integrated resort (IR) bid in Sasebo City has filed a petition with the local government asking that the bid be halted.
The prefecture and IR operating partner Casinos Austria International Japan (CAIJ) are now drafting a development plan for the IR at Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park that recreates a Dutch village. CAIJ is applying to become one of up to three new casino operators in Japan. It must submit its plan to the national government by April 2022.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the petition claims a lack of transparency in the bidding process, as well as the uncertainty of economic benefits and the risk of problem gambling.
The group stated, “Many citizens oppose attempts to facilitate economy growth through risk of increase in gambling dependency, poor influence on the local society and youth and using antisocial industries.
“The point has been made that promotion of casinos is targeting of the savings of Japanese people just to make the foreign casinos richer.”
It also states, “The local governments are being drawn in by the temporary creation of jobs, but we absolutely cannot accept something like taking the lead in an unwholesome and degenerate casino bid that will bring misfortune to so many people. We believe that this is a path on which the regional administration should not tread.”
