Japanese lawmakers in favor of casino legislation plan on resubmitting a bill to legalize gambling at what they are calling ‘integrated resorts’. The controversial bill failed to make headway in the past and lawmakers are hoping this time around the bill will prove fruitful to legalizing the gambling option.

The economic growth program of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has promoted casino growth within Japan but several lawmakers have been opposed to the idea as they feel gambling addictions will increase as well as other social problems.

Takeshi Iwaya, a Liberal Democratic Party Politician, is part of the pro-casino movement and recently stated the bill will be submitted by next Tuesday, which is the last day of the fiscal year. In an interview, Iwaya stated that by placing the bill on the table by the 31st of March, local governments that are considering adding casino resorts will be able to continue funding research on the topic. Several top gaming companies have been waiting for Japan to provide a casino marketplace, including MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Late last year it was announced that legislation would be postponed indefinitely. This March announcement is seen as a positive sign for proponents.