New system allows kin to block gamblers

Familiesof gambling addicts will be able to block their kin from online horsebetting under a new system the Japan Racing Association plans tointroduce this week.The JRA said yesterday it will begin acceptingapplications on Thursday from family members living with thoseclinically diagnosed with gambling disorders or suspected of strugglingwith its symptoms, based on spending habits.Once accepted, the JRA will suspend them from betting online.Themove is part of government efforts to curb gambling addiction as itprepares to debate a bill on the structure of so-called integratedresorts that include casinos, which it wants to open for the first timein hopes of boosting tourism and regional economies.The governmentwants to see similar restrictions in place at racetracks and off-trackbetting booths starting next fall but it’s unclear how such measures canbe executed.It also plans to expand online gambling restrictionsbased on applications submitted by family members to bicycle, motorbikeand motorboat racing beginning next April.An estimated 3.2mnJapanese have likely suffered from gambling addiction, according to agovernment survey of 4,685 people released in September. It said 0.85 ofthe population between 20 to 74 – a ratio equivalent to around 700,000people – were likely addicted at some point in the past year, with theiraverage age being 46.5. An average of ¥58,000 was spent on gambling permonth.Pachinko accounted for the most gambling money.Aspokesman for JRA, a public company overseen by the agriculture ministrythat manages racecourses and training facilities, said revenue fromonline betting accounted for roughly 60% of its approximately ¥2.6tn inannual revenue.The JRA and the National Association of Racing, whichoversees horse races operated by local governments, have alreadyinstalled a system to restrict online gambling for individual who applyon their own behalf. Based on that system, 14 people have been bannedfrom online betting so far.Gambling is prohibited in principle in Japan, excluding horse racing and certain motor sports.Pachinkois considered a kind of quasi-legal gambling, categorised as gaming onthe basis of the indirect way players turn their winnings into money.Pachinko balls won at parlours can be exchanged for gifts, which in turncan be exchanged for cash at off-site booths.Last year, the Dietpassed a law to legalise casinos, opening the way for entertainmentcomplexes that combine high-stakes gambling with hotels and otherfacilities. But legislation is still necessary to sort out details onregulation and tax rates, as well as social issues like compulsivegambling. The bill is expected to be debated when the Diet opens inJanuary.American casino operators like MGM Resorts Internationalhave shown an interest in building such resorts if selected as one ofthe preferred operators. Meanwhile, various prefectures andmunicipalities, including Hokkaido and the cities of Yokohama and Osaka,are competing to host one of the first legal gambling complexes in thecountry.