Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has for the first time voiced his support for legalising casinos in Japan.
Last December legislators from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party submitted a bill to legalise casinos. Japan is the third largest economy in the world and analysts have predicted that legalising casino gambling in the country could make it the third largest gambling destination behind Macau and the US.
Until this point the Prime Minister had remained silent on the issue, but proclaimed his full support for gambling in Japan after touring the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, saying: "I think integrated resorts will be a key part of Japan's economic growth strategy."
Japan has seen weak economic growth over several years and lawmakers are eager to prove they are doing everything possible to restore growth. The current parliament session ended last month, making passing the bill difficult in the short term.
However, political and industry sources believe the bill could get passed in the extraordinary session in the autumn. Any delays in debating the bill are unlikely as it would result in any potential casinos not being completed by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
