Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat Office for Promoting Gambling and Other Addiction Countermeasures opened public comments for its “Basic Plan on Promotion of Countermeasures Against Gambling Addiction” earlier this month. The acceptance period runs from 4 February to 23 February.
According to Article 12, Section 1 of the Basic Act on Countermeasures Against Gambling, the central government is responsible for drafting a Basic Plan on Promotion of Countermeasures Against Gambling Addiction. The government drafted the current basic plan on 19 April 2019 and has systematically taken measures against gambling addiction based on the same plan since then.
This coming April will mark the third year since drafting the current basic plan, and according to the Act, the government must review the basic plan at least once every three years and make changes when deemed necessary.
Therefore, based on these stipulations, the basic plan has been reviewed, necessary changes made and opinions from citizens are now being accepted.
Although some gambling addiction measures are already in place in Japan, it has been pointed out that there is a lack of resources such as sufficient medical facilities, consultation and support services and self-help groups to provide treatment, meaning many people who suffer from gambling addiction are not getting the treatment and support they need.
Based on the amended basic plan, the government will look at working closely with regional public groups and related facilities, groups and operators, in order to increase awareness and preventative measures.
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