In Japan and the coalition government of Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has reportedly announced that it is to delay the publication of the final criteria for those cities hoping to win the right to host one of the nation’s coming trio of integrated casino resorts.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the so-called ‘Basic Policy’ document was due to be issued later this month and contain the essential guidelines for those communities wanting to participate in the race to secure one of the three lucrative casino licenses.

Corruption concerns:

However, the recent arrest of prominent Japanese legislator Tsukasa Akimoto (pictured) over allegations that he may have accepted a series of bribes from Chinese sports lottery firm 500.com has reportedly prompted the government to postpone its ‘Basic Policy’ launch. Officials purportedly revealed that they are to now use the extra time to better assess current public opinion and consider whether to include further rules relating to future contacts between potential casino operators and government representatives.

Considerable curiosity:

Inside Asian Gaming reported that the government of Japan is now hoping to release its ‘Basic Policy’ criteria in February while still planning to begin the process of accepting official applications from next January in advance of a final July 30, 2021, deadline. Up to eight communities including the giant cities of Osaka, Yokohama and Nagasaki are purportedly still interested in hosting one of the coming $10 billion gambling-friendly venues with prominent firms such as MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts Limited and Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited said to be vying for the right to run any such facility.

Potential hindrance:

However, this whole process could soon be thwarted following the recent launch by a quartet of minority political parties of new legislation that would invalidate 2018’s casino-enabling Integrated Resort Development Act and associated Integrated Resort Promotion Act.