Japan to Use Facial Technology to Fight Gambling Addiction
The Japanese government is planning to use facial technology to fight gambling addiction. In fact, it is part of the government’s plan to regulate venue operators. Regulators will use biometric identification technology to determine players’ identity. In addition, technology will monitor their gambling habits.
The government held several public consultations. It came up with the plan that will take effect in March. In addition, the government will evaluate the plan every three years. The betting games involved in the scheme include pachinko parlors, speedboat racing, bicycles, and racetracks.
The initiative was the result of the request of some family members of at-risk gamblers. As a result, venues will restrict gambling addicts from entering their premises via facial recognition software.
Facial Technology in Pachinko Parlors
You can find pachinko parlors all throughout Japan. Pachinko is like a slot machine. In addition, it is popular among gamblers in the country. Although most parlors are smoky and noisy, many Japanese gamblers spend a lot of time in them.
In a related scheme, the government wants to remove automated teller machines from gambling venues. It wants to discourage people from gambling too much in a single session. By making it hard for people to get more gambling money, the government thinks it will make them stop gambling for the day.
It is not the first time the Japanese gambling industry used biometric technology. In 2018, the Japanese Racing Association used contactless palm vein biometric technology at its modern bookie kiosks.
Developed by Fujitsu Frontech Limited and Fujitsu Limited, the technology allowed players to place cashless bets. In fact, the technology made the process more secure by verifying the player’s identity when withdrawing prizes.
Bookie pay per head experts hailed Japan’s move in helping people combat gambling addiction. It will ease the worries away when casino resorts start operating in the country.
