Japanese government to tighten racing regulation

The Japanese government has confirmed that it is considering anti-problem gambling measures that include the limitation of online betting on horse, powerboat, bicycle and motorcycle racing and the reduction in ATMs at such event venues. A reduction of pachinko jackpots is also being examined.

A 2014 study by the Ministry of Health reported that problem gambling rates in Japan are significantly higher than elsewhere in the world, affecting about 4.8 percent of the adult population.

The government is also conscious of the impending introduction of land casino resorts and the additional impact this may have on gambling issues of this type.

Specific detail on the government’s crackdown have yet to be advised following the policy decisions, but local reports indicate that racetracks have already been told to work with financial institutions to remove ATM machines.

Widely popular pachinko gambling, despite its “amusement” category, is also seen as a risk area for problem gambling.

A Pachinko Recovery Support Network study recently claimed that almost a million Japanese players may have a pachinko problem, and the national police feel the response should be a 50 percent reduction in the amount of cashable tokens that can be won in a four-hour session.

There will be more focus on this sector when the government publishes its own study results later this year.