Japan begins public debate on casinos

Tokyo

THE debate over Japan's effort to allow casinos is going public as operators including MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment Corp look for clarity in a potential US$25 billion market.

Open hearings begin on Thursday over recommended guidelines to govern major resorts in Japan that will feature everything from blackjack tables to entertainment. The government is currently weighing regulations that could impose curbs on the gaming industry as more than half of the country's residents oppose casinos.