Japan residents may have to undergo biometric checks to enter casinos

A law authorizing integrated resorts in Japan was enacted in December 2016, effectively lifting a prohibition against casinos. The government is working to introduce a bill on details of such resorts later this month.

The government has previously examined the use of My Number cards to identify visitors to casinos. But some ruling-bloc lawmakers are calling for alternative sources of identification, because only 10 percent of the country’s population is carrying the ID cards, according to the sources.

At a meeting of ruling-bloc lawmakers on Feb. 15, the government presented plans to require identity checks for all casino visitors, using passports for visitors from overseas and My Number cards for those living in Japan, including foreign residents.

The aim is to limit the number of casino visits by people living in Japan as a measure to prevent gambling addiction. Identity checks would be necessary to monitor their visits. The government will work with the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition to set the details of biometric and other identification methods.

Even if the biometric option is established, however, residents of Japan would be required to present their My Number cards to get their biometric data linked with the cards when they visit casinos for the first time.