Following revisions being made to a draft bill by cross-party lawmakers for the removal of a ban on gambling in casinos in Japan, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso threw his support behind the move Friday stating the revision could help boost tourism and the overall economy.

Aso, who also doubles as finance minister, told a press conference that other regions such as Singapore and Macau's tourist industries have been boosted by foreigners visiting to gamble.

"It is true that casinos have helped invigorate tourism and invite foreign people in other locations such as Macao and Singapore," Aso said.

But while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are aiming to have the new bill on gambling ratified during the current Diet session, opposition to the bill has been voiced by the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan ( DPJ) and, more vocally, by the LDP's own junior New Komeito coalition ally.

Both parties maintain that the opening of casinos here could have an adverse effect on society and create social problems such as gambling addiction and debt troubles, which could lead to the propagation of nefarious credit and loan companies, as well as loan sharks.

Aso said however that legislation would have to be introduced to ensure the casinos operate within the new law and in a manner that won't lead to social problems, such as gambling addiction.

The cross-party proposition is seeking to see integrated resort- style casinos opened to serve both local and foreign visitors, with the former having to meet certain criteria before being allowed access -- likely meaning some form of background checks and vetting process -- to ensure compulsive and under-age gamblers are denied access.

It remains to be seen however whether the bill will pass during the current Diet session, as the Lower House is prioritizing a number of other bills, and opposition to opening casinos here is mounting.

Gambling in Japan has traditionally been banned by Chapter 23 of the Criminal Code, although there are exceptions, and loopholes in the law have been exploited.

While operating casinos in Japan remains illegal, and illegal gambling here was thrown into the spotlight recently following a spate of high-profile illicit betting by renown sumo wrestlers, illegal casinos do exist and are operating in underground haunts run by criminal organizations.

Betting on some motor sports and horse racing is permitted legally, however, as are lotteries -- including soccer pools ( known here as Toto) -- as a means to generate revenue for both prefectural and national governments. Endi

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