The ruling LDP-led coalition along with the nominal opposition party Nippon Ishin no Kai submitted a bill to the Lower House on Wednesday to establish new policies for dealing with problem gamblers.
The measure is an attempt to address strong public concern that introducing casino resorts will lead to a surge in the number of gambling addicts. A health ministry survey released in October estimated that about 3.2 million people, 3.6 percent of the nation's population, were suspected of being addicted to pachinko or racetrack gambling.
With an eye toward helping problem gamblers at future integrated casino resorts, it is now aimed at helping people addicted to pachinko, boat or horse race gambling.