Officials in Osaka City and the surrounding prefecture are moving forward with a strategic plan to open a dedicated gambling addiction countermeasures center in 2029. This proactive launch is timed to precede the late 2030 opening of MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino, by a full year.
According to a report by Nikkei Shimbun, the center represents a critical safety net for the region. While the physical location has yet to be finalized, its mission is clear: to provide comprehensive support for individuals struggling with gambling issues and their families.
Services will range from direct counseling and individualized treatment programs to educational initiatives designed to reduce isolation and stigma.
Ordinance Sets the Framework
The initiative is grounded in Osaka’s “basic ordinance on gambling addiction countermeasures,” which was approved in October 2022. This legislation made Osaka the first region in Japan to formalize such an approach, anticipating the social impact of the upcoming IR on Yumeshima Island.
The center will not only treat patients but also train medical professionals. A key goal is to equip doctors and counselors with the skills to identify early symptoms and manage long-term recovery, ensuring a scalable response system is in place before the first dice are thrown.
Trial Consultations Start This Spring
Authorities are not waiting until 2029 to act. Starting this April, trial online consultation services will connect affected individuals with lawyers and private support organizations. These virtual sessions will serve as a bridge, allowing officials to gather data and refine their support models ahead of the physical center’s debut.
As MGM Osaka, a joint venture with Orix Corp, continues construction on its massive entertainment and hotel complex, the local government is ensuring that social safeguards keep pace with economic development.
By weaving addiction prevention into the fabric of the IR rollout, Osaka aims to balance the economic promise of the resort with robust social protection. The 2029 timeline provides a crucial buffer period to hone services, train staff, and build public awareness, positioning the prefecture to handle any potential uptick in needs head-on.
