Japan considers extending Diet session to pass casino bill

In Japan, the government and its coalition partners are reportedly considering extending the current 150-day regular Diet session to either the end of June or early July in an effort to ensure the passage of important bills on labor reform and casinos, including the Integrated Resorts (IR) Implementation Bill, prior to the June 20 deadline.

The IR Implementation Bill outlines the regulatory framework for casinos and paves the way for the creation of casinos in Japan in the hope of boosting regional economies and attracting more overseas visitors.

GGRAsia reports that according to a May 22 news article it published, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner, Komeito, were considering extending the current ordinary session by “around a week,” to ensure passage of the IR Implementation Bill by both house of the Diet; the House of Representatives, and the House of Councillors.

More telling was the Japan Times newspaper, which on Tuesday quoted a senior LDP legislator as saying, “We are short of deliberation time [for important bills]. We cannot help but extend the Diet term,” according to GGRAsia.

The media outlet further communicates that a high-ranking Komeito lawmaker was also quoted as saying that the two parties should consider, “about how long the Diet session should be extended”.

However, opposition parties are reportedly concerned with approving the Integrated Resorts (IR) Implementation Bill, which outlines the regulatory framework for Japan casinos, too quickly, without having the necessary safeguards in place.

Prior to the weekend, the House of Representatives passed an anti-gambling addiction bill, which was then sent to the House of Councillors, the upper house of the Diet, for further review and to be voted on.