The Diet on Friday enacted a bill authorizing the opening of casino resorts, despite stiff resistance from opposition parties and widespread public concern about gambling addiction.
The bill was passed in the House of Councilors after a filibuster by opposition leader Yukio Edano, which continued for two hours and 43 minutes. Edano heads the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.
The law will allow the establishment of casinos in up to three locations as part of integrated resorts incorporating hotels as well as conference and shopping facilities