New problem gambling legislation has been proposed in Japan via Nippon Ishin no Kai, a national political party based in Osaka. The goal of the new bill is to set up measures to deal with problem gambling in the hopes that Osaka will be chosen for a casino gaming license.

The Japan Times is reporting that the new measure was introduced on February 9th and will seek to address social ills and problem gambling that could take place if a casino resort were to be constructed in the area. Policy chief for Nippon Ishin no Kai, Hitoshi Asada, stated that the bill will have a variety of measures that will deal with problem gambling to take care of the issue in a comprehensive manner.

In the measure, the government would create a basic program that would be used to deal with problem gambling. The program would be subject to revision every five years in order to reevaluate the industry, with changes made as needed. The bill would also provide assistance via medical professionals with a medical system created to deal with problem gambling. Education measures would also be put in place to inform players of the dangers of gambling.

The goal of the political party is to see the bill continue the debate on rules for casino gambling. Ichiro Matsui is the Osaka Gov. and co-leader of Nippon Ishin, who stated that ideally, part of an integrated resort would be opened by 2023 in Osaka. The venue would be then operational in time for the World Expo in 2025. Osaka is currently bidding for casino gaming with a decision to be made by next year.