In Japan, it was recently learned that this month would reportedly see new legislation, to be included in the IR Implementation Bill, presented to the National Diet that would assess a hefty fine to casino operators who obtain their business licenses via fraudulent means. It has now reportedly been revealed that the bill establishing regulatory framework for the casino market will additionally include a provision forbidding certain public officials from partaking in casino gambling.

Asia Gaming Brief reports that the measure is intended to eliminate the possibility of conflicts of interest arising between those operators involved in the gambling industry and those charged with oversight of the casinos.

According to the news agency, with the obvious exclusion of the prime minister and his cabinet, the particular criteria for determining which public officials would not be permitted to gamble in casinos will be decided at a later date.

Also to be included in the ban are local officials who have casinos operating within their respective jurisdictions. They would, however, be able to partake at casinos located in other parts of Japan.

In addition to the stiff fines and or jail time applicable to casino operators, as well as company officials, the anti-addiction measure would also reportedly allow Japanese residents no more than 10 visits to the casinos in any 28 day period and only 3 visits during any 7 day period, with casino workers being subject to a fine of ¥3 million (US$28,000) or up to three years in prison if they are found to have allowed patrons to exceed those limits, according to earlier reports.

According to a recent Reuters report, Japan’s ruling coalition will submit the IR Implementation Bill to parliament on April 27.