The Japanese government has proposed a comprehensive strategy to help combat gambling addiction, well before the country’s first legal casinos open.
According to Japan Today, the plan includes installing facial recognition systems at pachinko parlors, boat and horse racing venues by 2021. Images of known problem gamblers can be submitted by the gamblers themselves or by their families. The measures also call for removing ATM machines from pachinko parlors; posting warning signs at gaming halls; and creating public service announcements about the dangers of problem gambling, Sankei Shimbun reported.
The public has until March 27 to comment on the proposed measures; their responses will inform the government’s ultimate policy on the matter, which is expected by the end of April.
Meanwhile, 20 major cities in Japan have said they will begin setting up treatment and support centers for gambling addicts by 2020.
