As a traditional entertainment program, Pachinko has earned billions of revenues last year although its player has been declining for years. Realizing that about one in seven Japanese adults play it regularly and the country’s 1200 parlous keeps players behind a thick wall of noise, smoke and gambler’s tension, the government plan to allow the building of big, legal casinos.

The casino-legalization law may pass the pachinko business to large and well-operated companies. And the improvement of the environment in casinos will attract more players, even the video-game generation. With more players and standardized management in this business, government is expecting the soaring incomes and a higher tax rate. Also, this action may draw affluent foreign tourists, which could stimulate the tourist industry.

The action of legalizing gambling is likely to become an incentive for the economy of Japan. In recent years, the economic growth rate of Japan is no longer as competitive as that in the 80’s and 90’s of last century. Compared with Las Vegas’ s gambling business, the one in Japan is quite small and imperfect. However, the great location in Asia and the well-known service industry in Japan are ought to bring a growth in the economy.

Nevertheless, liberalization of gambling may bring risk to economic at the same time. Players are possibly become addicted to those games gradually, which not only impact the country’s economy stability but also its safety and heathy. Thus, from a long-term view, the policy of gambling legalization should be taken into careful consideration.

News found on: http://www.economist.com/news/business/21620248-legal-gambling-and-changing-tastes-threaten-huge-pachinko-business-balls-air