The restriction is among the countermeasures included in a draft of basic plans for the planned integrated resorts, which feature casinos.

The land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister will give approval for integrated resorts and supervise them to ensure that they generate positive economic effect, the draft said.

The government plans to submit a bill for the establishment of the integrated resorts to an extraordinary session of the Diet, Japan's parliament, in autumn.

According to the draft, the government will create an oversight committee for casinos as an affiliate of the Cabinet Office to impose strict regulations to curb addiction.

The government will also set a limit on the floor space of the casinos.

To prevent excessive gambling, the number of game rounds players would be able to play in the facilities will be limited using the country's "My Number" identification cards. Casino visitors will be charged admission fees.

Measures to prevent money laundering were also included in the draft.

The planned committee will investigate whether facility operators and related people have criminal records or connections with antisocial forces, including yakuza gangster groups. It will also require operators to obtain licenses to run casinos.

Each integrated resort will be required to have five facilities--a casino, a convention center, a recreation facility such as a shopping mall or a museum, a facility supporting domestic tourism, and a hotel--as core facilities.

Profits from casinos will be used to support the operations of other core facilities.

Convention centers are expected to increase the number of foreign visitors attending international conferences and exhibitions, while hotels are seen encouraging tourists to make long-term stays.

Local governments will draw up integrated resort development plans based on proposals from resort operators. These plans will be submitted to the tourism minister for approval.

After the opening of the resorts, the minister will examine whether the facilities have created positive economic impact in accordance with the plans. The minister will request improvements and carry out on-site inspections if necessary. (Jiji Press)