Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING MAY 2018 38 COLUMNISTS continues to evolve. Major operators already have in place global programs that use evidence-based research that support their responsible gaming measures and training programs for staff. The third recommendation suggests an overall investment in responsible gaming research. This would go beyond the recommendation for individual operators to conduct their own research. UNLV stresses that priority “should be development/ validation of gambling disorder screening tools for application in Japanese culture.” There is a large community of researchers throughout the world that the Japanese can lean on in partnership with local academics. UNLV’s report also states that a long- term research strategy should be developed to look at policies including wager limits and admission fees/entry levies. These policies should not be implemented immediately. Rather, they should first determine their effectiveness to avoid any unintended consequences from policies not rooted in evidence-based research. Any responsible gaming programs developed in Japan should be evidence-based and should focus on all (IR-based and non-IR-based) forms of gambling including pachinko. Responsible gaming and social safeguards will continue to be the critical issues as Japan develops its gaming policies. These issues have been top-of-mind for both the public and legislators as the latter continues to debate how to regulate casino gaming. It is expected that operators submitting proposals will be evaluated on responsible gaming initiatives that they may have carried out in other jurisdictions. Corporate social responsibility will be a focus as well, including an operator’s existing commitment to offer an environment of responsible gaming and serve as a good corporate citizen in their host communities in Japan. Any responsible gaming programs developed in Japan should be evidence-based and should focus on all forms of gambling including pachinko. The city of Osaka is considered a leading contender to win one of Japan’s three IR licenses