日本议会通过赌场合法化决议
Japan's parliament has passed a long-awaited law to legalise casinos.
千呼万唤始出来，日本议会终于通过了赌场合法化决议。
The move paves the way for casino resort developments that also include hotels and shopping centres.
International gaming firms including Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts and Caesars have expressed an interest in running businesses in Japan.
Casino operators are keen to find new markets, especially those in close proximity to China.
Politicians in Japan's lower house approved the bill in the early hours of Thursday. It had already been passed in the upper house.
The move was backed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who believes the changes will stimulate tourism and help the country's flagging economy.
But with legislation still needed on how to regulate the sector, casinos are not expected to open for at least another six years.