OSAKA -- The economic slump isn't helping public-run gambling operations, which have also suffered declines due to poor management, lack of promotion and a disinterested younger generation.
Local governments that for years have enjoyed considerable revenue from speedboat, bicycle and horse racing are also being hard hit.
In Osaka, the Suminoe speedboat arena, the nation's leading boat racing operation in terms of attendance and betting, normally makes an annual disbursement of racing proceeds to 16 municipalities in the prefecture via the Osaka urban speedboat association.