In Japan and the coalition government of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (pictured) has reportedly published the concluding segment of its definitive criteria for those jurisdictions hoping to win the right to host one of the nation’s coming trio of integrated casino resorts.

According to a Sunday report from Inside Asian Gaming, the final section of the so-called ‘Basic Policy’ document lays out the specific rules for how public officials may now meet with representatives from any of the prospective host communities in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The source detailed that such discussions involving multiple national and local figures will now be required to take place within government buildings with attendees obliged to follow measures to prevent the spread of the potentially-deadly ailment.

Initial interruptions:

The government of Japan reportedly released the main portion of its ‘Basic Policy’ document in October following a pair of lengthy delays prompted by the emergence of bribery allegations involving legislator Tsukasa Akimoto and the subsequent arrival of the coronavirus pandemic. Communities hoping to win one of the three licenses to build and operate a Las Vegas-style development will now purportedly be required to satisfy five evaluation criteria including that any such coming project be internationally attractive and feature a clear concept that is competitive in size, design and quality.

Adverse attention:

In addition to a requirement that any future Japanese integrated casino resort agree to invest a sizeable amount of returns back into its host community, the source reported that these rules also mandate that such developments take measures to eliminate any unpleasant impacts such as crime and problem gambling, have a positive economic effect and be run by a financially stable enterprise.

Strong support:

Seventy-two-year-old Suga replaced predecessor Shinzo Abe in September and is reportedly known to be an advocate for bringing casino gaming to his nation of some 126 million people in hopes of boosting its economy through increased tourism. Prospective host jurisdictions have now purportedly been given until July of 2022 to lodge their formal bids with the giant cities of Yokohama and Osaka as well as communities in Nagasaki Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture seen as being among the front-runners to secure one of the coming licenses.

Reportedly read a statement from Suga…

“Integrated casino resorts are an important initiative in order for Japan to proceed as an advanced tourist nation. We are moving ahead with the necessary preparations.”