Casino operators found to have obtained a Japan casino license via fraudulent means, including submitting false information, will be fined up to ¥500 million (US$4.7 million) under new terms to be included in the integrated resort bill to be submitted to parliament this month.
According to Kyodo News agency, the measures will relate to all information supplied by casino operators in applying for a Japan casino license, with operators required to submit a business plan and details of internal responsible gambling policies. They will need to certify that no members of management have any personal ties to criminal syndicates or gangs.
The license will be valid for three years upon which time a comprehensive screening process will be held again.
The punishment for providing false information will be a loss of license and a fine of up to ¥500 million, while executives will face individual fines of up to ¥5 million and up to five years in prison.
The latest measures form part of the government’s attempts to deter criminal activity and come just a week after it revealed a number of other measures aimed at preventing problem gambling among its citizens.
They include a ¥6,000 (US$56) entry fee for residents, who will also be limited to three visits per week and 10 per month under the draft bill.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito have also agreed on a flat tax rate of 30%, with the gaming floor to comprise no more than 3% of the total integrated resort floor area.