In the construction of integrated resorts in Japan, the government has introduced a unique ticket tax system, simply put, each gambler must pay an entrance fee of 2,000 yen (approximately 118 yuan). This design is not only to limit entry, but more importantly, it tries to find a balance between stimulating the economy and preventing social problems.
Basic Framework of the Ticket Tax System
This mechanism draws on the experience of Singapore, but the Japanese version places more emphasis on the redistribution of tax revenue. The 2,000 yen entry fee is split equally between the central and local governments. The government also imposes a progressive tax of 30% to 50% on operators, and has specifically set up a Casino Management Committee under the Cabinet to strictly review whether operators are associated with anti-social forces. In this way, from tourists to businesses, every link is included in the regulatory and tax system.
Tax Distribution and Public Welfare Purposes
The money collected is not just going into ordinary fiscal pockets, but has a clear public welfare orientation. The tax revenue will be invested in several key areas:
Pathological Gambling Prevention: Such as setting up gambling consultation hotlines and specialized addiction centers.
Tourism and Local Welfare: Used for developing tourism and improving social welfare projects.
Promotion of Non-Gambling Business Models: The government requires that the non-gambling income of IRs must exceed 30%, forcing projects to develop legitimate businesses like hotels and conventions, reducing reliance on single gambling income.
International Comparison and Local Challenges
Compared to Macau, the difference is clear. Macau's gambling tax accounts for 86.4% of fiscal revenue, basically the economic pillar. Japan, on the other hand, wants to take a different path, earning some money through ticket taxes and strict tax distribution, while trying to control the negative impacts of gambling. However, there are also many challenges: local residents have been quite opposed, and there are concerns about how these public welfare funds are used and whether they are transparent enough.
Overall, Japan's ticket tax mechanism is an interesting experiment. It aims to intervene economically in advance while opening integrated resorts, directing money towards public welfare, trying to walk a tightrope between economic benefits and social responsibility. The effectiveness of this will depend on whether subsequent implementation and regulation can keep up.
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