Japan approves controversial plans to build country’s first casino

Casino complex is expected to attract 6 million international and 14 million domestic tourist to Japan

Japan on Friday gave the green light to building the country’s first casino after a decades-long debate over a controversial plan that citizens fear would spark a rise in gambling addiction.

The sprawling complex will be built with an initial investment of 1.8tn yen ($13.5bn) in the western city of Osaka by 2029.

Apart from the casino, the 5.3 million square-foot area on Yumeshima will have hotels, a conference centre, a shopping mall, a museum, and a ferry terminal, as well as a helicopter pad for high-rollers.