Biometrics option eyed for casino entry

March 3, 2018

Tokyo- The government is considering allowing the use of biometrics, such as facial and vein recognition, for the personal identification of visitors to casinos that would be opened in Japan, Jiji Press learned Friday.

The government has examined the use of "My Number" cards to identify Japanese casino visitors. But some ruling lawmakers call for considering adding other ways, because only 10 pct of the country's population owns the ID cards, informed sources said.

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

The government plans 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 details of biometric and other identification methods for casino visitors.

Even if the biometric option is realized, 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.

The so-called integrated resort facilitation law was enacted in December 2016, effectively to lift the ban on casinos in Japan. The government is working to submit a bill on details of such resorts later this month. Jiji Press